The Black Cuillin is the UK’s most challenging and dramatic mountain range. Hikes to Sgùrr Alasdair take you to its highest point, a jagged tower of dark gabbro that crowns …

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Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

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Location: Minginish, Isle of Skye, Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Trail Magazine

December 3, 2019

Hiking

The highest peak on the Isle of Skye and the notorious Black Cuillin, Sgurr Alasdair is every bit as challenging as you’d expect. The routes to the summit are either difficult, long, or both, but the rewards… oh my. Scramble the grippy volcanic gabbro to the deceptively compact summit for other-worldly views and a sense of epic achievement.

Alex Foxfield

November 24, 2023

Mountaineering

The UK's highest island peak, at 3,255 feet (992 m), is also one of Scotland's most spectacular. Not named for its visible features like most mountains, Sgùrr Alasdair is named after the Cuillin climbing pioneer Alexander Nicholson, who first summited the peak in 1873. The irony is that, despite lording it over the other peaks in terms of height, Sgùrr Alasdair is actually set slightly to the side of the main Cuillin Ridge.

Ren (hiking, hills, Hyrox, and horses)

June 6, 2025

Hiking

Roped up for the last section - as a hiker more than climber, very glad we had a guide.

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Best routes near Sgùrr Alasdair

4.7

(22)

313

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#1.

Sgùrr Alasdair from Glenbrittle — Isle of Skye

9.26km

04:59

890m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.3

(3)

hikers

#2.

Eas Mor Waterfall – Eas Mor Waterfall loop from Sgùrr nan Gobhar

9.19km

05:09

860m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 910 m

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Wheelchair access

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Weather

Sunday 5 April

9°C

-1°C

26 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Minginish, Isle of Skye, Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Sgùrr Alasdair

#1.

Sgùrr Alasdair from Glenbrittle — Isle of Skye

#2.

Eas Mor Waterfall – Eas Mor Waterfall loop from Sgùrr nan Gobhar

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