Sgùrr Alasdair
Mountain Highest peak on Skye, steep and rocky summit
Highest summit of the Cuillin on the Isle of Skye, reached by steep scrambles and ridgelines. Mountaineers seek technical routes, exposed ridges and broad views across Skye’s peaks and sea.
Sgùrr Alasdair is the highest peak on the Isle of Skye in northwest Scotland, rising to 992 metres (3,255 feet) and forming part of the island’s Black Cuillin ridge.
The mountain is characterised by steep, rocky ridges and is a popular objective for scramblers and mountaineers; the summit provides extensive views across Skye and, on clear days, out to surrounding islands and the mainland.
The Black Cuillin, including Sgùrr Alasdair, are formed from coarse-grained igneous rock that gives the peaks good grip for climbers but creates rugged, broken terrain.
Sgùrr Alasdair sits on the central Cuillin ridge of the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, a rugged area of steep peaks and narrow ridges.
- Elevation: Reaches 992 metres (3,255 feet), making it the highest summit on the Isle of Skye.
- Technical terrain: Summiting typically requires scrambling on rocky ground and basic mountaineering skills; routes are exposed and weather dependent.
How to Get to Sgùrr Alasdair #
Approaches typically start from Glen Brittle on the Isle of Skye. Drive the A87 to Sligachan then the B8083 to Glen Brittle; parking at trailheads and local guidance are recommended. Ferries to Skye operate from the mainland.
Tips for Visiting Sgùrr Alasdair #
- The main climb to Sgùrr Alasdair involves some scrambling-ensure proper hillwalking experience and check conditions before attempting.
- Use bothies only where indicated and follow Leave No Trace principles; Isle of Skye terrain is fragile in places.
- Start early in summer to avoid afternoon weather deterioration common on Skye.
Best Time to Visit Sgùrr Alasdair #
Late spring to early autumn for best climbing conditions; always check local forecasts.
Weather & Climate near Sgùrr Alasdair #
Sgùrr Alasdair's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2822 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (323 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (218 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (268 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (272 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (309 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (323 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (316 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
