Coire Lagan, Glen Brittle

Coire Lagan is one of the most impressive corries in the entire Cuillin range on Skye — a small, brooding blue lochan ringed by immense rock peaks, including Sgùrr Alasdair, the highest summit in the Hebrides, making for an unforgettable introduction to these dramatic mountains without needing to commit to the ridge itself.

The route starts from parking just before the campsite at the end of the Glen Brittle road, with spectacular views of the peaks behind the corrie visible from the beach even before setting off. The walk begins on the prominent path just left of the campsite toilet block — once an eroded swamp, now an excellent pitched-stone constructed footpath. As height is gained, fine views open to the islands of Rùm and, later, Eigg; a path off to the right leading to Coire Ghrunnda should be ignored. Beyond a large cairn, the ground becomes noticeably rougher, with the hardest section climbing a gully between two slabs of rock — a simple scramble up a rocky staircase, with the burn cascading over great slabs of grey gabbro alongside.

Beyond the gully, the small, beautiful blue lochan is only a short distance further — a place of huge slabs, vertical precipices, and gigantic stone chutes on every side, with the shark-fin silhouette of Sgùrr Thearlaich rising to Sgùrr Alasdair's summit above. Most walkers are content to circle the loch and linger here, since continuing higher demands considerably more serious scrambling.

For a varied return, a path bears right at the large cairn passed on the ascent, descending past Loch an Fhir-Bhallaich and the dramatic Eas Mòr waterfall — a stream plunging over a cliff into a deep ravine — before crossing a footbridge to emerge on the Glen Brittle road near the mountaineering club hut, a short walk back to the start.

This is mostly good path, but the rough ground and simple scrambling near the mouth of the corrie demand care, sturdy footwear, and a genuine head for heights — full hillwalking equipment and a weather check are essential given how exposed and remote this setting is.

Parking at Glen Brittle is free; there is no public transport to the start.