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Sgurr Alasdair

Munro
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
992 m (3254 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NG45002080
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
154 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Alasdair's rocky peak
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  32   South Skye & Cuillin Hills
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Sgurr Alasdair is the highest peak on the Black Cuillin Ridge. The Cuillin are composed of rough Gabbro rock which gives wonderful grip even when wet, but these mountains have steep faces and narrow ridges which invariably require scrambling or even rock-climbing to reach the summit.

The ascent of Sgurr Alasdair starts in Coire Lagan up the gully that ascends to the N face of Sgurr Alasdair. This Gully is called the Great Stone Shoot as it was once filled with scree.

Ascent starts on boulders, then scree and finally on zig-zag path to col. From here it is a short scramble to the summit.

Hazards you may encounter on Sgurr Alasdair include
 Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Crags on or near ascent routes.
 Crags near summit.
 Narrow Ridges, with exposure.
 Scrambling (major), greater exposure and steeper rock.
 Magnetic rock, compass bearings inacurate.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Sgurr Alasdair

Sgurr Alasdair and the Great Stone Shoot.

© Steve Marlow
Image by Steve Marlow

Sgurr Alasdair's South face, seen across Coire a' Ghrunnda from the ascent of Sgurr nan Eag.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

The view South when you at last reach the top of the Great Stone Shoot. Left to right: Sgurr Dubh Mor, Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn, Gars-bheinn and Sgurr nan Eag.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown

Looking up to the top of the Stone Shoot. Large angular stones with a few boulders, resting on thin soil at a very steep angle, and mobile! Everyone tries to zigzag, but tracks soon slide when they are descended.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown
View All 31 Images for Sgurr Alasdair

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
North West Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format) 		West Highlands
by Met Office 		Sgurr Alasdair
by Metcheck
Sgurr Alasdair Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

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The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Sgurr Alasdair.

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

  Routes that include Sgurr Alasdair
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1025 m 8.75 km 3.5 hrs Sgurr Alasdair  Requires scrambling and a head for exposure. You are recommended to study a higher scale map of the Black Cuillin of Skye before attempting an ascent.  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Sgurr Alasdair

  Baggers Gallery for Sgurr Alasdair

Sgurr Alasdair-No 4 of my Traverse :-)

© Colin Fridge
Image by Colin Fridge

Looking down the ridge just before it starts to cloud over.

© Steve Marlow
Image by Steve Marlow

Calum at Loch Coire Lagan before heading up the Great Stone Shoot to Squrr Alasdair.

© Calum Dinnes
Image by Calum Dinnes

Me & wee Allan reaching the top of Sgurr Alasdair - Friday 26th June 09

© Jim Westwood
Image by Jim Westwood
View All 14 Baggers Images for Sgurr Alasdair
The logging section stores any entries for Sgurr Alasdair in your own log. From here you can
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Recently Climbed By
Graeme Mcphee on 16 Sep 2023
Graeme Mcphee on 12 Sep 2023
William Black on 26 Aug 2023
Stephen Martin on 10 Aug 2023
Graham & Joanne Bullen on 22 Jul 2023
WILLIAM BISHOP on 12 Jun 2023
Andy Munro on 06 May 2023

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 Shared Members Track Logs
 
Sgurr Alasdair
by Alan Parker
Sgurr Alasdair
by Mike Yates
Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and Sgurr Alasdair
by Kenny Mcneill

Post a few words about Sgurr Alasdair or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Libby Smith
wrote on
July 14, 2013
Climbed Sgurr Nan Eag along with Sgurr Dubh Mor & Sgurr Alasdair, on a dry foggy day the rock was bone dry so made for good walking, i was with mountain guide Johna Jones (skye mountain fever) this was the 2nd time i had hired Johna & once again i was very impressed with his skills & commitment to his client, Johna was aware of my fear of exposure but he seems to have a natural talent for keeping me calm always taking time to explain hand & foot holds (i would highly recommend him) this only left me Sgurr Mhic Chonnich to do to complete the Cullins & boy am I glad.
Paul Selfridge
wrote on
June 8, 2013
Climbed Grande Diedre then abbed into TD gap back to Sgurr Alasdair south face. Then back up Commando Crack before ascending to summit. Descended down Great Stone Chute
Aileen Moir
wrote on
July 22, 2009
Climbed Sgurr Alasdair, Sgurr nan Eag and Sgurr Dubh Mor on 9th May 2009 - a great day out - slightly marred by the fact our guide Ray Mackenzie didnt supply us with hard hats (which weren't supplied on any outings with him) and one of our party got a nasty gash on his head.
Peter Lang
wrote on
May 1, 2007
Superb April 07 outing thoroughly enjoyed ascent of Great Stone Shoot -stick close to RHS on bedrock where possible and when meet swings right switch to the LHS, again stick to bedrock where possible and rock hop to the top. only use path in centre of scree for descent route. cloud cleared as reached summit - ya beauty
 
 

A full written account of a climb submitted by our members.

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