{{Short description|Mountain in the United Kingdom}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} {{Infobox mountain | name = Quinag | native_name = {{langx|gd|A’ Chuinneag}} | image = Quinag.jpg | image_caption = Quinag in the distance from the western end of Loch Assynt | elevation = Sàil Gharbh: {{convert|808|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />Sàil Ghorm: {{convert|776|m|ft|abbr=on}}<br />Spidean Coinich: {{convert|764|m|ft|abbr=on}} | prominence = ''c.'' 553 m, 158 m, 192 m | listing = Corbett, Marilyn (both x3) | translation = Little milk pail | language = Gaelic | pronunciation = {{IPA|gd|ə ˈxɯɲak|lang}}<br />{{IPAc-en|lang|ˈ|k|ʊ|n|j|æ|ɡ}} {{respell|KUUN|yag}} | location = Assynt, Scotland | range = | coordinates = | range_coordinates = {{coord|58.21506|N|5.05053|W|region:GB_type:mountain|display=inline,title}} | grid_ref_UK = NC209292 | topo = OS ''Landranger'' 15 | type = | first_ascent = | easiest_route = }}
'''Quinag''' ({{langx|gd|A’ Chuinneag}} <ref>{{cite web |title=Quinag - A' Chuinneag |url=https://www.ainmean-aite.scot/?id=36491 |website=Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba |access-date=2026-04-05}}</ref>) is an 808 m high mountain range in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, with an undulating series of peaks along its Y-shaped crest. The name Quinag is an anglicisation of the Gaelic name ''Cuinneag'', a milk pail, reflecting its distinctive shape.<ref name="Shirra2011">{{cite book|author=Kirstie Shirra|title=Scotland's Best Small Mountains: 40 of the best small mountains in Scotland under 3000ft|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U3cJbpS8t_gC&pg=PA30|accessdate=15 April 2021|date=21 March 2011|publisher=Cicerone Press Limited|isbn=978-1-84965-345-9|pages=30–31}}</ref>
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 Còinich 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.
==Ascent== Quinag boasts three separate Corbett summits – '''Sàil Ghorm''' (Blue Heel {{convert|776|m|ft|abbr=on}}; {{IPA|gd|s̪aːl ɣɔɾɔm|pron}}), '''Sàil Gharbh''' (Rough Heel {{convert|808|m|ft|abbr=on}}; {{IPA|gd|s̪aːl ɣaɾav|pron}}) and '''Spidean Còinich''' (Mossy Peak {{convert|764|m|ft|abbr=on}}; {{IPA|gd|s̪b̊id̊ʲan kɤːɲɪç|pron}}). 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Quinag: three Corbetts |url=https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/quinag.shtml |website=Walk Highlands |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>
The {{convert|8,400|acre|ha|adj=on|abbr=off}} Quinag estate was purchased by the John Muir Trust in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Bob |title=John Muir Trust completes path repairs on Quinag in north-west Highlands |url=https://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2021/01/19/john-muir-trust-completes-path-repairs-on-quinag-in-north-west-highlands |website=Grough |publisher=grough Limited |access-date=15 April 2021 |date=19 January 2021}}</ref> Quinag and Glencanisp estates share ownership of Loch Assynt.
Remnants of ancient woodland comprising birch, rowan, hazel, wych elm, aspen and oak are scattered throughout the northern side of the mountain particularly in the deep gulleys and sheltered situations near the seashore.
Quinag is mentioned in Iain Banks's 2007 novel ''The Steep Approach to Garbadale'' as lying just west of the estate of that name.<ref name="Banks2008">{{cite book|author=Iain Banks|title=The Steep Approach To Garbadale|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OF10s5FS8xcC&pg=PT169|accessdate=15 April 2021|date=4 September 2008|publisher=Little, Brown Book Group|isbn=978-0-7481-0994-4|pages=169–}}</ref>
==See also== * Geology of Scotland
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [http://www.jmt.org/cuineag-quinag-estate.asp John Muir Trust]
Category:Corbetts Category:Mountains and hills of the Northwest Highlands Category:Marilyns of Scotland Category:Landforms of Sutherland Category:Protected areas of Highland (council area) Category:Mountains and hills of Highland (council area)