The name - pronounced ‘coo-nyang’ - comes from the Gaelic for milk pail, which the mountain resembles from one angle. With wonderful views of ‘cnoc and lochan’ landscape, seaward views over Stoer Point and beyond to the Outer Hebrides, Quinaig is a local favourite.
Quinag also overlooks Loch Glencoul, making it an excellent place to view a classic element of the Moine Thurst, the ‘Glen Coul Thrust’, associated with the Caledonian mountain building 430 and 500 million years ago. The Moine Thrust belt marks the change from rugged mountains and steep faces in the west, to rolling hills in the east.
With superb paths and three very different peaks to explore, it offers a variety of options for climbers, but to ascend all 3 tops is a big day. So, for a shorter day concentrate on Sidean Coinich and Sail Garbh and descend down the steep grassy slope from Bealach a Chornaidh. For an earlier descent, leave the ridge from the Col between 764m and 713m tops. Walk out on Stalkers Path below Bealach a Chornaidh. Whichever route you take, you’re promised stunning views in every direction.
One of Quinaig’s hidden gems is the cattle byre with a burn running through it and excellent pasture. It can be found halfway up the mountain at the Kylesky end, between Sail Ghorm and Sail Garbh. One would struggle to find a better place to hide some rustled cattle - and the legends are that back in the days of clan warfare, this was exactly what happened.
Distance: 8.75 miles
Time: 7.5 - 8.5 hours
Ascent: 1130m
For detailed route instructions, click here.
