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 at a Glance#
Address: Sgùrr Alasdair, Isle of Skye, Scotland (grid reference NG 4572 2316)
Admission: Free (access to summits and paths); guided climbing/boat fees vary
About Sgùrr Alasdair#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 4° | -5° | 323 mm | overcast | 87% | 14.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 4° | -5° | 218 mm | overcast | 87% | 13.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| March | Poor | 0° - 5° | -5° | 268 mm | overcast | 86% | 12.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 159 mm | overcast | 85% | 10.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.1h |
| May | Poor | 4° - 10° | 2° | 136 mm | overcast | 84% | 9.3 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 16.4h |
| June | Poor | 7° - 12° | 5° | 145 mm | overcast | 85% | 9.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.6h |
| July | Poor | 8° - 13° | 11° | 163 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.0h |
| August | Poor | 8° - 13° | 11° | 190 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.0h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 11° | 4° | 272 mm | overcast | 87% | 10.2 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 8° | 0° | 309 mm | overcast | 86% | 12.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 6° | -3° | 323 mm | overcast | 86% | 13.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.8h |
| December | Poor | 0° - 4° | -5° | 316 mm | overcast | 87% | 12.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
