Coire Gabhail (The Hidden Valley)

The Lost Valley – or Coire Gabhail, to give it its proper title – is a magnificent hanging valley that's hemmed in by the Bidean massif's Beinn Fhada and Gearr Aonach ridges. It's a staggeringly beautiful place that played a key role during an event from the darker side of Highland history.

It was into the Lost Valley that members of Clan MacDonald took refuge, having escaped death at the hands of Clan Campbell during the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. The valley was also where Clan MacDonald used to hide their cattle to keep them safe from would-be thieves.

Hikers can use the Lost Valley to ascend to the Bidean's high summits by taking a steep path up the corrie headwall to Bealach Dearg.

The ascent or descent just below the ridge is very steep. Definitely not for beginners.

The path is a bit more difficult in the rain, because the stones are slippery. In some places it is a bit difficult to see where the path continues. At one point it is especially difficult to get over a big rock. But it is worthwhile in spite of all this. The view of the valley is just fantastic.