Quinag

I had really been looking forward to doing the Quinag experience. I had recently obtained a copy of the Corbetts book published by Cicerone and it was a very good guide to the hill. What I also like about this book is that the author provides some history around some of the Corbetts north of the Great Glen but is honest enough to admit if he hasn't taken in certain parts. I had viewed the hill from every angle during recent sojourns to the North-West and I would finally set foot on this grand mountain. The approach path from the car park is stupendous and I branched off left at the cairn, while the first view of Spidean Coinich opened up. The meander over the slabs is enjoyable and affords an easy ascent on the shoulder of the 'milk pail'. Once at the shoulder, views across to Suilven really opened up. A steeper amble brought me up on the 1st Corbett and impressive views across the rest of the day's objective. A steepish descent and then ascent up on to peak 715 allows for an exquisite view back to where the walker has just come.

From the middle of the Euro, it's a nice amble over towards the 2nd Corbett, if one is leaving the middle Corbett until the end. Between peak 715 and the 2nd Corbett, the promontory West allows for absolutely stunning views across the North-West, the numerous lochans and a real feel of space and wilderness. I was reluctant to press on - for me, the views here are as good if not better than anything on the Aonach Eagach. It truly was a stunning hill. I pushed on to the 2nd Corbett and could now see the cliffs of Sail Gharbh opening up, where I would soon finish my walk. I reversed my route and began the last climb on to this 3rd Corbett - interesting change of geology halfway along the ridge with red scree giving way to grey quartzite. From here, Arkle, Foinaven and beyond can be easily viewed. All that remained was to complete the route and return back home. I had read a report that of over 650 hills, a chap considered Quinag to be in his top ten. I would wholeheartedly concur. This is a truly magnificent hill, which has it all and one that I would do again and again.