Highlight • Climb
Sgùrr Alasdair
Hiking
5.0
(14)
Mountaineering
5.0
(3)
Named in honour of Skye’s mountaineering pioneer Alexander Nicolson who, in 1873, became the first person to reach Sgùrr Alasdair’s summit, this is not a mountain for the uninitiated. However, those plucky souls that tackle an adventure to its summit are rewarded with awe-inspiring scenery of quality not replicated anywhere else in Britain.
The awe-inspiring highest peak of the Black Cuillin ridge
Strictly speaking there are no simple walking routes to Sgùrr Alasdair. As with Tryfan in Snowdonia and many of Alasdair’s Cuillin neighbours, any route to the summit requires some degree of scrambling and a steady head for heights. However, it is still attainable as a hiking objective.
You will find purchase by ascending from the west via the Great Stone Chute, a conspicuous, steep gully that gives access to the mountain’s upper ramparts. As its name suggests, wearing a helmet is a sensible course of action, though the majority of the scree that once populated the gully has since found its way to the bottom due to erosion caused by generations of hikers.
Once you’ve tackled the final scramble to the tiny summit platform, a stupendous reward awaits. A labyrinth of peaks, lochs and islands stretches away in every direction, threatening to overwhelm your sense of awe. Sgùrr Dearg and its Inaccessible Pinnacle are a majestic sight across the void of Coire Lagan. In the opposite direction, the view down onto Coire a’ Ghrunnda’s beautiful lochan is equally breathtaking.
Portree is the nearest town and a great base for all things Skye, be it the Cuillin, the coast or the Trotternish Ridge to the north. Sligachan, Broadford and Carbost all host other options.
The serious nature of the terrain and Skye’s famously changeable weather make Sgùrr Alasdair an objective only for expert mountaineers in winter conditions.
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
Tips
December 3, 2019
Hiking
November 24, 2023
Mountaineering
June 6, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Sgùrr Alasdair
4.7
(23)
318
hikers
9.26km
04:59
890m
890m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(3)
56
hikers
9.19km
05:09
860m
860m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 910 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
no
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
no
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 13 May
11°C
4°C
61 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h
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