Munro · Skye & The Small Isles
Sgurr Alasdair
Sgurr Alasdair (992m) is a steep, rocky peak in the volcanic mountains of Skye and the Small Isles. With 992m of prominence it stands well apart from its neighbours, a genuinely isolated summit that demands a dedicated day. The summit, marked by a rock, gives views of the Cuillin Ridge, the Atlantic Ocean and the Outer Hebrides. The nearest town is Fort William in Highland.
Gaelic: “sharp, rocky peak” · Pronunciation: skoor
Quick facts
- Height
- 992m/ 3255ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 873 m
- Time
- 4.9 hrs
- Difficulty
- 5 / 5Expert
- Grid ref
- NG450207
- Parking
- Sea
- Nearest city
- Fort William
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 17km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 17km with 873m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross rough moorland and coastal grassland. Higher up, the terrain changes to gabbro and basalt rock — superb grip on Cuillin gabbro, loose scree on Red Hills granite. Good paths on tourist routes but serious mountaineering terrain in the Cuillin — the rock is excellent but the exposure is real. The summit is marked by a rock.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Good paths on tourist routes but serious mountaineering terrain in the Cuillin — the rock is excellent but the exposure is real. The hill's high prominence means the approach involves significant re-ascent — there are no easy shortcuts from neighbouring peaks.
In winter
In winter, Sgurr Alasdair is a serious proposition. Maritime conditions with heavy rainfall, low cloud and salt-laden winds. The Cuillin in winter is Grade I mountaineering at minimum. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 42m
- Edinburgh4h 28m
OS maps: OS Landranger 32
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:51
- Sunset
- 20:55
- Civil dawn
- 05:07
- Civil dusk
- 21:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026