Sgùrr Alasdair
Sgùrr Alasdair | |||
Inverness-shire | |||
---|---|---|---|
Range: | Cuillin | ||
Skye | |||
Summit: | 3,255 feet NG450207 |
At 3,255 feet, Sgùrr Alasdair is the highest peak of the Black Cuillin, and the highest peak on the Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire. Like the rest of the range it is composed of gabbro, a rock with excellent grip for mountaineering.
Ascent
As with other hills of the Cuillin, a head for heights and scrambling ability are needed to attain the summit. The least technical route follows a feature known as the "Great Stone Chute" – a line of scree that leads up from the corrie named Coire Lagan to join a col on the main ridge. From this col, a pleasant scramble (Grade 2 standard) up the well scratched east ridge leads to the narrow summit.[1]
Other routes require scrambling ability or rock climbing; while there are rock climbs directly up the flanks, the only other way of reaching the summit via a ridge is the south-west ridge from the summit of Sgùrr Sgumain, a Grade 3 scramble that begins up a scratched chimney. The summit of Sgùrr Alasdair can be attained by a short detour (from Sgùrr Theàrlaich) off the main ridge by climbers undertaking the full traverse of the Cuillin ridge, or by those following the circuit of Coire Lagan.
Outside links
- Computer-generated virtual panoramas:
References
- ↑ The Islands of Scotland, Scottish Mountain Club Guidebook (1989 edition).