Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX climbs Sgùrr Alasdair from Glen Brittle through Coire Lagan, the Great Stone Chute and the final Grade 2 summit scramble. It covers 9.0 km with about 955 m of ascent and can take 6 to 9 hours. This is a serious Cuillin mountaineering route requiring scrambling ability, confident navigation and careful management of rockfall.
Follow the path from Glen Brittle into Coire Lagan, passing the lower waterfalls and climbing slabs towards the lochan. The Great Stone Chute rises above as an enormous unstable scree gully. Ascend close together where practical, avoiding parties directly above, and never dislodge stones. At the top of the chute, turn onto the short but exposed Grade 2 scramble to Sgùrr Alasdair's tiny 992 m summit. Route choice matters and a mistake can lead onto much harder ground.
Return by downclimbing the same scramble and descending the Stone Chute. This GPX does not continue along the Cuillin Ridge or enter Coir' a' Ghrunnda. A helmet is strongly advised, and many walkers should use a qualified guide. Do not attempt the route in wet rock, ice, strong wind or poor visibility; once committed to the upper chute, retreat is slow and hazardous.
From the top of the Great Stone Chute, the final route to the summit is a Grade 2 scramble.
Scottish hillwalking guidance
Route Waypoints
Start from the recognised parking area near Glen Brittle. Parking is limited and the access road is narrow, so arrive early.
Follow the mountain path east into the corrie, staying with the established line above the burn.
Climb slabs and rough steps towards the lochan. Wet rock can already make this section unsafe.
Reach the lochan and identify the Great Stone Chute. Reassess weather, rockfall and group ability before continuing.
Enter the unstable scree gully. Put on helmets and avoid standing below other parties.
Reach the narrow top and locate the correct Grade 2 line. Do not stray towards Sgùrr Sgumain or the ridge.
Complete the exposed scramble to the tiny 992 m summit. Limit numbers and prepare carefully for the downclimb.
Downclimb the scramble, descend the chute and retrace Coire Lagan to the start.
The chute narrows and steepens. Use the firmer larger rocks where possible and continue to the saddle at its head.
Turn right onto the short ridge for Sgùrr Alasdair. Do not continue towards Sgùrr Sgumain.
Complete the exposed hands-on ridge to the small 992 m summit. Return carefully to the same saddle before descending.
Descend the Great Stone Chute, go back around Coire Lagan and retrace the constructed path to the campsite.
Essential Tips
Rockfall in the Great Stone Chute is a constant hazard. A climbing helmet is strongly recommended for every member of the group.
The summit section is exposed and mistakes lead onto harder terrain. Use a qualified guide if your experience is uncertain.
Keep the group compact in the chute and wait for safer spacing rather than climbing directly under others.
Wet rock, ice, strong wind or cloud make the upper route dangerous. Turn back from Coire Lagan when conditions are doubtful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Sgùrr Alasdair?
The walking time is about 3 hours 24 minutes for the 9.4 km route, but that's just moving time. The loose Great Stone Chute can take much longer, especially if other people are on it, so plan for a full day.
Do I need scrambling experience for Sgùrr Alasdair?
Yes. The final ridge to the summit requires hands-on scrambling with exposure, so it's not suitable if you're uncomfortable with heights or have no scrambling experience.
Is a helmet necessary for the Great Stone Chute?
It's strongly recommended. The chute is extremely loose with constant rockfall hazard, and dislodged stones are a serious danger to anyone below you.