Isle of Skye

Sgùrr Alasdair

992 metres · 1 detailed route

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Sgùrr Alasdair

Sgùrr Alasdair

Scramble · Grade 2Grade details

Grades describe the named technical sections, not every metre of the route.

Sgurr Alasdair via the Great Stone Shoot: Grade 2 Grade reference

Route overview

This short but exceptionally rugged outing climbs Sgùrr Alasdair, the highest peak on the Isle of Skye. Starting from Glen Brittle, the route leads into the spectacular rock-walled amphitheatre of Coire Lagan before tackling the infamous Great Stone Chute. It offers an intense mountain experience culminating in a dramatic, airy summit with peerless views across the Cuillin Ridge.

Terrain and underfoot

The approach begins on an excellent constructed stone path, becoming increasingly rough and rocky near Coire Lagan. The ascent of the Great Stone Chute is exceptionally steep, loose, and arduous, requiring careful movement on unstable scree. The final section from the col to the summit involves a short, straightforward but highly exposed scramble on firm rock. Navigation is generally clear in good visibility but requires care on the complex upper ridge.

Distance
9.3 km
Ascent
1,090 m
Typical time
4 - 5 hoursStandard moving time
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Getting there and parking

Driving and parking

Glen Brittle southern beach approach

This southern Glen Brittle approach starts by an unmarked surfaced area beside the shore road. Follow the signs and leave the road and access points clear.

An unmarked surfaced roadside area near the beach. Keep the shore road and access points clear.

Before you go
Fairy Pools is a different car park farther up the glen.
Food and drink
The nearby Glenbrittle campsite café serves hot food from noon to 16:00 during its 1 April to 15 October season.
Sources checked 2 October 2026

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On foot

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On the road

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Guidebook & paper maps

The Munros

Scottish Mountaineering Club · 4th edition (2021)

  • M154 · p. 360
View on Amazon (paid link)

Walking the Munros · Volume 2

Cicerone

Northern Highlands and the Cairngorms

  • Guide route 52 · p. 221

Latest edition: 4th (2022). Edition of page references unconfirmed.

View on Amazon (paid link)

Skye Munros

Adrian Trendall · 2026 · Cicerone

The Southern Three MunrosVolume 2 · Guide route 4 · p. 80

  • Volume 1 · Munro description · p. 30Volume 2 · Munro section · p. 94
    Other sections

    Section is 'Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn to Sgurr Alasdair'; Sgurr Alasdair via the Great Stone Chute and south-east ridge p102

View on Amazon (paid link)

The Munro Almanac

Cameron McNeish · 2011

Skye and Mull

  • Munro description · p. 126

100 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains

Ralph Storer · 1997

The South Cuillin Ridge (Skye)Guide route 94 · p. 194

Page numbers vary by edition.

OS Explorer · 1:25,000
  • 411Skye – Cuillin Hills
OS Landranger · 1:50,000
  • 32South Skye & Cuillin Hills

Summit locations only, not the approach or return route.

Check sheets with Ordnance Survey

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Mountain planning note

Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.