Sgùrr Alasdair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sgùrr Alasdair |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 992 m (3,255 ft) |
| Prominence | 992 m (3,255 ft) Ranked 5th in British Isles |
| Parent peak | none - HP Skye |
| Listing | Munro, Marilyn |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Alexander's peak |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Geography | |
 Sgùrr Alasdair
Location in Isle of Skye
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| Parent range | Cuillin |
| OS grid | NG450207 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 32 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1873, Alexander Nicolson |
| Easiest route | Scramble |
Sgùrr Alasdair is the highest mountain peak on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It is also the tallest peak in the Inner Hebrides islands. This impressive mountain stands at 992 meters (3,255 feet) high.
Sgùrr Alasdair is part of the Black Cuillin mountain range. The rocks here are made of a material called gabbro. Gabbro is great for mountaineering because it offers excellent grip. The mountain is named after Alexander Nicolson. He was the first person known to climb it in 1873. Before that, local people called it Sgurr Biorach.
Contents
Climbing Sgùrr Alasdair: What to Expect
Climbing Sgùrr Alasdair is an exciting adventure. However, it requires some special skills. You need to be comfortable with heights. You also need to know how to scramble. Scrambling is like climbing, but you use both your hands and feet. It is not as difficult as rock climbing.
The Great Stone Chute Route
The easiest way to reach the top is through a path called the "Great Stone Chute." This is a wide gully filled with loose rocks, known as scree. The chute leads up from a bowl-shaped valley called Coire Lagan. It takes you to a col (a low point between two peaks) just below the main ridge.
From this col, you can scramble up the east ridge. This part is a Grade 2 scramble. It means it's a bit challenging but usually doesn't need ropes. The path is well-worn from many climbers. This route takes you right to the narrow summit of Sgùrr Alasdair.
Other Climbing Paths
Other ways to climb Sgùrr Alasdair are more difficult. They often require more serious rock climbing skills. Some routes go directly up the sides of the mountain.
Another option is the south-west ridge. This is a Grade 3 scramble. It starts with a narrow, scratched chimney. You can get to this chimney from the top of Sgùrr Sgumain or from Coir' a' Ghrunnda. There is also a slightly easier path from the top of this chimney. It goes up a shallow gully on the south face.
Climbers doing the full Cuillin ridge traverse can also reach Sgùrr Alasdair. They can take a short detour from Sgùrr Theàrlaich. People exploring the Coire Lagan area can also include Sgùrr Alasdair in their trip.
Images for kids
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The Great Stone Chute (with pale streak up it) leads up to Sgùrr Alasdair (which is in the cloud)
