Sgurr Alasdair—Sgurr Thearlaich

"The Main Cuillin Ridge in 1 day. With Robin Howie. We left Glen Brittle campsite at 03:30. Gars-bheinn was reached at 06:25. Highlights of the day: climbing up and down Caisteal a’ Garbh-Choire; abseiling down in to the Thearlaich-Dubh gap and the climb up the other side with me leading; reaching Sgurr Alasdair; climbing King’s Chimney (Robin leading) to reach Sgurr Mhic Choinnich; climbing An Stac and Inaccessible Pinnacle unroped, the tops of Sgurr a’ Mhadaidh and then Bhasteir Tooth. We reached the base of Naismith’s Route at 21:30. We climbed Naithsmith’s Route to Bhasteir Tooth (me leading-not so bad as it seemed!). It was a struggle on an overhang to reach Am Basteir (Robin climbed it first with one foot in a sling and one foot on my shoulder – he then lowered a rope to me). We went up the west ridge to reach the summit of Sgurr nan Gillean at 23:00! Done it!! Quick handshake and down to reach Sligachan at 02:00." — peter43 • Jun 20, 1986

"Cairngorm Club meet. Solo. Attempt on complete ridge. I left Glen Brittle Camp Site at 03:05. I reached Gars-bheinn via the SW slopes. I went on to Sgurr a’ Choire Bhig and Sgurr nan Eag. I climbed up and down Caisteal a’ Garbh Choire and continued to Sgurr Dubh na Da Bheinn. I abseiled into the Thearlaich-Dubh Gap. There was a party climbing up the other side and this was the cause of delay. However, they did offer to put me on the end of their rope. I accepted the offer so I did not have to climb it solo. I deviated off the main ridge to reach Sgurr Alasdair. I went on to Sgurr Thearlaich and climbed King’s Chimney to reach the summit of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich. Gave up after ascending An Stac as too far behind schedule." — peter43 • May 5, 1985

"With Jonathan Bellarby, Geraldine Guest, and Robin Howie. From Glen Brittle ascended via the West Ridge to Sgurr Dearg Cairn. We climbed the East Ridge of Inaccessible Pinnacle on two ropes. Robin and I also climbed the West Ridge with a top rope. We went to Sgurr Mhic Coinnich, avoiding An Stac. We went via Collie’s Ledge to the bottom of King’s Chimney, which Robin and I climbed. So we reached the summit of Sgurr Mhic Coinnich for the second time. We used Collie’s Ledge again to rejoin the others and went on to Sgurr Thearlaich and Sgurr Alasdair. The weather was very good. " — peter43 • May 12, 1984

"Cairngorm Club Meet at Glen Brittle Hut. With Martin Wilson, Fraser Stronach. We went to South Crag, Sron na Ciche and climbed Green Recess Chimney (D), Martin leading. We went to the top of Sgurr Sgumain. I led the bad step on SW Ridge of Sgurr Alasdair. We climbed directly from the top of the stone shoot to Sgurr Thearlaich. Just before the final drop to Bealach Mhic Coinnich we found an easy way on the Coire Lagan side which ended below the bealach. Fraser descended to Coire Lagan. Martin and I climbed King’s Chimney (Martin leading) to Sgurr Mhic Coinnich and descended to Bealach Coire Lagan (Mountain rescue helicopter scouting round – accident in Dubhs area). We descended the stone shoot to Coire Lagan to rejoin Fraser. After a night of gales the winds abated, the mist lifted and it turned into a beautiful day." — peter43 • Sep 24, 1983

"Cairngorm Club Meet at Glen Brittle Hut. With four fellow members. From the hut to Bealach Coir’ a’ Ghrunnda and along the ridge to Sgurr Sgumain, then to Sgurr Alasdair via the short chimney so avoiding the bad step. We went on to Sgurr Thearlaich (down back end of stone chute until it is possible to scramble up). We continued to Bealach Mhic Choinnich. The last 30’ were abseiled by others. I climbed down. We went via Collie’s Ledge to the summit of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich. We descended to Bealach Coire Lagan and down the stone chute to Coire Lagan." — peter43 • Aug 4, 1982