NC2029 : View from the Trig at Sail Gharbh
Route-dependent; steep ground and scrambling

Quinag - Sail Gharbh

809m Elevation
550m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NC2029 : View from the Trig at Sail Gharbh

Dave Thompson Photo source

Overview

Sail Gharbh is the highest of Quinag’s three Corbetts in Assynt, at 808.8 m (rounded to 809 m in the hill data). Its eastern ridge links to the mountain’s central junction; Sail Ghorm and Spidean Coinich are separate Corbett summits. The A894 approach can be used for Sail Gharbh alone or a longer, strenuous ridge circuit with steep ground and some scrambling.

Quinag – Sail Gharbh

Sail Gharbh is the highest of Quinag’s three Corbetts in Assynt. DoBIH records 808.8 m, rounded to 809 m in this page’s hill data. The other Corbetts are Sail Ghorm, 775.6 m, and Spidean Coinich, 764.7 m. Sail Gharbh occupies the eastward branch of the ridges; it is not the northernmost summit.

The exact summit

The highest point is a boulder 15 m northwest of the trig point and windshelter at grid reference NC209292. DoBIH records the boulder as 1 m above the base of the trig point. The trig point is a landmark rather than the exact highest ground.

Choosing a walk

  • Sail Gharbh alone: Walking Britain’s return route is 8.8 km with 539 m ascent and a guide time of 4 hours 10 minutes. It follows the corrie approach towards Bealach a’ Chornaidh before climbing to the summit ridge. The upper path is steep.
  • All three Corbetts: Walkhighlands describes a 14 km circuit, 1130 m ascent and 7.5–8.5 hours. Its order is Spidean Coinich, Sail Ghorm and Sail Gharbh, followed by the established descent towards the bealach and corrie. The linked ridges include very steep ground and some scrambling.
  • Sail Gharbh with Spidean Coinich: The Great Outdoors gives 11 km, 929 m ascent and 5–6 hours for its two-Corbett circuit. It leaves out Sail Ghorm.
  • A return to Bealach a’ Chornaidh offers a mountain viewpoint without a summit. A return over Spidean Coinich alone is another shorter option described by Walkhighlands; it does not reach Sail Gharbh.

These totals belong to the individual publishers’ itineraries. Choose a route to suit your experience and conditions.

Start, access and safety

The usual start is the car park east of the A894 at NC232273, between Loch Assynt and Unapool. Cross carefully to the approach path a little farther south. The John Muir Trust asks visitors to use the repaired path and protect the fragile peat.

Avoid the direct northward climb from halfway along Lochan Bealach Cornaidh: published landowner advice warns that rocks can be dislodged. This is separate from the established slanting path nearer the bealach. The full ridge circuit needs sound navigation and confidence on steep, exposed ground. Wet rock, strong winds and cloud increase the seriousness. Carry a map and backup navigation; the visitor leaflet is not a navigation map.

Walkhighlands and The Great Outdoors list no public transport to the start. Arrange onward and return travel before setting out. The Rock Stop at Unapool has seasonal visitor facilities; check current opening dates and carry your own hill food and water.

Snow and ice require a different level of skill and preparation. Mountaineering Scotland’s winter guidance covers navigation, short daylight, equipment, cornices and avalanche awareness.

Landscape and names

North West Highlands Geopark describes Torridonian sandstone over Lewisian gneiss, with east-dipping Cambrian quartzite. The John Muir Trust translates Quinag from Gaelic A’ Chuinneag as “the milk pail”, and Sail Gharbh as “rough heel”. Clear conditions reveal Assynt’s peaks and lochans, the western coastline and the mountains of northwest Sutherland.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Quinag: three-Corbett circuit

From A894 car park NC232273, follow the repaired approach, then visit Spidean Coinich, Sail Ghorm and Sail Gharbh using the linked ridges. Return via the established path towards Bealach a’ Chornaidh and north of Lochan Bealach Cornaidh. Walkhighlands gives 14 km, 1130 m ascent and 7.5–8.5 hours. Very steep ground, exposure and short scrambling make this a strenuous mountain day.

14 km Hard; steep ridges and some scrambling

Sail Gharbh only: return from the A894

From NC232273, take the path into the corrie north of Lochan Bealach Cornaidh. Near Bealach a’ Chornaidh, the established rising path leads to Sail Gharbh’s eastward ridge. Return the same way. Walking Britain gives 8.8 km, 539 m ascent and 4 hours 10 minutes. Avoid the steep direct shortcut north from halfway along the lochan.

8.8 km Moderate mountain walk; steep upper path

Sail Gharbh and Spidean Coinich

The Great Outdoors’ two-Corbett circuit starts at NC232273, follows the corrie path to Bealach a’ Chornaidh and climbs via the central ridge junction to Sail Gharbh. Retrace to the bealach, continue over Spidean Coinich and descend its broad southeast shoulder. The guide gives 11 km, 929 m ascent and 5–6 hours. Steep, exposed sections and careful navigation are required; Sail Ghorm is omitted.

11 km Hard; exposed ridges and scrambling steps

Bealach a’ Chornaidh return: no summit

From NC232273, stay on the repaired approach and take the corrie path north of Lochan Bealach Cornaidh to Bealach a’ Chornaidh. Return along the same path without climbing the summit ridges. The John Muir Trust describes this saddle as a rewarding viewpoint, but good fitness, suitable clothing and a mountain forecast are still important. This outing does not reach Sail Gharbh or either other Corbett.

Moderate upland walk; exposed to weather

Spidean Coinich return: no Sail Gharbh

From NC232273, take the left fork at the cairned junction and follow the rocky rib and broad east ridge to Spidean Coinich. Return by the same route rather than continuing onto the much steeper connecting ridges. Walkhighlands identifies this as a shorter alternative to the complete circuit. It reaches a different Corbett and does not climb Sail Gharbh.

Moderate mountain walk; stony ascent
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm

Elevation

809m

2,654 ft

Prominence

550m

Coordinates

58.2152, -5.0499

NC209292

OS Map

15

Explorer: 442E

At the Summit

The highest point is a boulder 15 m northwest of the trig point and windshelter. DoBIH records it as 1 m higher than the trig-point base; the trig point is a useful landmark, but it is not the exact summit.

Terrain & Geology

Repaired paths cross moorland and boggy ground before the steeper mountain slopes. Higher routes use sandstone and quartzite ridges with rocky steps exposed sections and short scrambling on the longer circuits.

Quinag is largely Torridonian sandstone resting on older Lewisian gneiss, with Cambrian quartzite capping parts of the mountain. The quartzite layers dip eastwards; Sail Gharbh’s upper ridge changes from sandstone to quartzite. Glacial erosion helped shape the corries and exposed rock.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, views take in Assynt’s mountains and lochans, including Suilven, Canisp and Ben More Assynt, with the west coast and mountains of northwest Sutherland beyond.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Quinag comes from the Gaelic A’ Chuinneag, meaning “the milk pail”. Sail Gharbh means “rough heel”; Sail Ghorm means “blue heel”, and Spidean Coinich “mossy peak”.

Historical Significance

Quinag is known for its unique geology and biodiversity, attracting naturalists and geologists alike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Quinag car park on the east side of the A894 at NC232273, between Loch Assynt and Unapool. The walking path starts across the road a short distance south of the parking area. Follow the restored approach path.

Public Transport

Walkhighlands and The Great Outdoors list no public transport to the NC232273 walking start. Check current regional bus arrangements and arrange any onward travel and a reliable return before setting out.

Nearby Facilities

The Rock Stop visitor centre at Unapool has a seasonal café and shop; check its current opening dates before relying on refreshments. Bring food and water for the hill. The A894 walking start is separate from these facilities.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The ridge circuits include very steep slopes, exposed sections and short scrambling steps. Wet rock and strong winds increase the difficulty.
  • Careful route-finding is needed in cloud, especially around the ridge junctions and on the descent from Spidean Coinich.
  • Avoid the direct climb north from halfway along Lochan Bealach Cornaidh: published John Muir Trust advice warns of dislodged rocks. Use the established approach towards the bealach.
  • Cross the A894 carefully and follow the repaired lower path rather than shortcuts through fragile peat.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice make the steep slopes and ridge steps more serious and can conceal paths. Winter travel needs suitable skills and equipment, including trained use of an ice axe and crampons where conditions require them. Allow for short daylight, strong winds and poor visibility, and assess snow, cornice and avalanche hazards before committing.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

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Location

Quinag - Sail Gharbh location map

Grid reference: NC209292

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Nearby Hills

Quinag - Spidean Coinich

764m

Quinag - Sail Ghorm [Sail Gorm]

776m

Canisp

847m

Suilven

731m

Ben Stack

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