Quinag

Quinag
Quinag in the distance from the western end of Loch Assynt
Highest point
Elevation	Sàil Gharbh: 808 m (2,651 ft) Sàil Ghorm: 776 m (2,546 ft) Spidean Coinich: 764 m (2,506 ft)
Prominence	c. 553 m, 158 m, 192 m
Listing	Corbett, Marilyn (both x3)
Naming
Translation	Little milk pail (Gaelic)
Pronunciation	/ˈkʊnjæɡ/ KUUN-yag
Geography
Location	Assynt, Scotland
OS grid	NC209292
Topo map	OS Landranger 15

The hill Quinag (808 m) (Scottish Gaelic: A’ Chuineag, pronounced [ə xɯɲaɡ̊]) in Sutherland, in the Scottish Highlands, is in fact a range of hills with an undulating series of peaks along its Y-shaped crest. The name Quinag is an anglicisation of the Gaelic name Cuinneag, a milking pail, reflecting its distinctive shape.

Geologically, Quinag is made of Torridonian sandstone, resting on a substrate of Lewisian gneiss. The highest peaks are capped by a thin skin of Cambrian quartzites with the gentle eastern slope of Spidean Coinich being a dip slope formed along the quartzite beds. The massif is an excellent place to appreciate the relationship between these three major rock units of the NW Highland.

Quinag boasts three separate Corbett summits – Sàil Ghorm (Blue Heel 776 m/2,546 ft; pronounced [s̪aːl ɣɔɾɔm]), Sàil Gharbh (Rough Heel 808 m/2,651 ft; pronounced [s̪aːl ɣaɾav]) and Spidean Coinich (Mossy Peak 764 m/2,506 ft; pronounced [s̪b̊id̊ʲan kɤɲɪç]). From the north and from the road crossing the Kylesku Bridge, Quinag presents a formidable sight with its two huge buttresses of Sàil Gharbh and Sàil Ghorm dominating the skyline. It provides a backdrop to Loch Assynt, and seen from the road coming from the village of Lochinver, Quinag stretches as far as the eye can see. Spidean Coinich projects a broad south-east ridge which provides the usual ascent route for walkers.