Sgùrr Alasdair: Through the Great Stone Chute

Sgùrr Alasdair isn’t the highest peak on Skye, but it’s one of the most well-known summits in the Cuillin. A lot of people approach it from different sides of the ridge whilst linking other Munros together, but Glen Brittle Campsite is one of the most common starting points for the route.

The walk into Coire Lagan is fairly straightforward to begin with, following a clear trail out from the campsite with the ridge slowly opening up ahead of you. It only really starts to feel like a grind once you reach the Great Stone Chute itself.

From below, the Great Stone Chute almost looks easier than it actually is. In reality it’s just loose scree and shifting rock the whole way up, where every step forward feels like you slide half a step back. It’s not technical climbing, just steep, tiring ground that keeps you focused the whole way through it.

The descent can be just as awkward, especially if the rock is wet. I won’t lie though, skidding sections of the chute on the way back down was good fun, although it’s definitely somewhere to exercise a bit of caution.

Conditions in the Cuillin can change quickly as well. What starts as a clear afternoon can turn cold, windy and grey within an hour, which completely changes the feel of the route.

Keeping things lightweight helps here. A decent pair of shoes and a simple pack go a long way. You don’t need loads of gear, but what you carry matters more on terrain like this.

It’s not the hardest route in the Cuillin, but it’s definitely one that sticks with you.

I took these photos just before the summit as the sun started to set. Hard to beat evenings like that on Skye.

- Cameron Phoenix

Photos © Glen Valley