walkhighlands

Share your personal walking route experiences in Scotland, and comment on other peoples' reports.
Warning Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.

Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp


Postby rockhopper » Wed Oct 06, 2021 6:14 pm

Route description: Quinag: three Corbetts

Corbetts included on this walk: Quinag - Sàil Gharbh, Quinag - Sàil Ghorm, Quinag - Spidean Coinich

Date walked: 23/08/2021

Distance: 16 km

Ascent: 1300m

47 people think this report is great.
Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Well, it has taken over 37 years (even longer than the 28 years for the Munros) but I finally got there – all worth it in the end. Little did I think when walking up my first Corbett on a hot Monday holiday in early May 1984 that I was starting such a journey as I was only vaguely aware of the different hill classifications. Up until that point I’d done a fair bit of walking mostly on holidays in the North West but hadn’t really tackled any hills of significance. The photo below is of a friend and me on The Cobbler that day in 1984 and I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that I’m on the right in the “sawn off” denims.

Image

Goatfell then followed on a work outing in July 1985. Having walked up from the ferry at Brodick we somehow managed to get diverted in thick mist on the descent and ended up in Corrie. Relying on the navigation skills of colleagues was perhaps not such a good idea after all but all soon fixed by a pint in the pub followed by a taxi journey back to Brodick. By this time I’d got a bit of the Munro bug and the third Corbett didn’t follow until in the snow on Ben Ledi in early February 1987. A few more Munros followed but no further Corbetts until I got started back into the hills in 2010.

As for comparing the Munros’ and Corbetts’ journeys, I actually found the Corbetts more difficult than the Munros. Although counter intuitive as there are more Munros and the Corbetts aren’t as high, I found it easier to link up Munros in multi hill days. Moreover, the Corbetts seem to be more widely geographically spread (including more islands) as well as frequently being more spread out with greater distances from hill to hill.

Image

Image

I had decided on my final Munro, if I ever got there, fairly early on. However, it probably wasn’t until after I finished the Munros and started seriously considering the Corbetts that I decided on Quinag as the final Corbett trip. Views to Quinag featured heavily on many a family holiday in the early to late 1970s in Stoer, Drumbeg and Nedd – the photo below shows me in the middle with Quinag in the background.

Image

That probably influenced us when on a holiday on Skye in the early 2000s and we visited John Bathgate’s studio at Borve on Skye – one of his watercolours over Loch Drumbeg towards Quinag still hangs over our fireplace.

Image

So, Quinag it was to be. It was planned for 2020 but COVID-19 struck and I also had to get to Clisham before Quinag which meant a longer wait until ferry travel was again permitted – we live in one of the areas which was one of the last to be freed up from lockdown. I think it was Dave Hewitt who flagged up the list of final Corbetts in a post – at that point Spidean Coinich had not been a final Corbett on a reported round hence the reason I opted to do the round anti-clockwise and finish on it.

A relatively early start from Glasgow got me to the John Muir car park a little before 1300hrs. The car park was jammed but I managed to squeeze in on the right just after the entrance. Got ready then crossed the road to get to the start of the path. Quite early on I met several people on their way down.

Image

It’s a good path and doesn’t take long to get up past the lochan. As far as camping was concerned, I knew the only water higher up was the small lochan below the summit of Spidean Coinich. I had debated whether I could risk relying on it as looking at photos on geograph and other reports suggested that the level could vary. Didn’t want to drop down and camp at the lochan. Accordingly I decided instead to carry an extra 2 litres of water from the start – filling up at the lochan wouldn’t have helped much. It did mean my pack was heavier than I’d have liked with nearly 4kg of water but I was in no great rush and could take it fairly easy.

The path took me nearly up to Bealach a’Chornaidh with views over to Spidean Coinich.

Image

I then turned more northwards to head up towards Sàil Gharbh with a view back towards the lochan.

Image

It was certainly getting quite a bit steeper at this point – looking towards the western end of Loch Assynt.

Image

I met a larger family group and stopped for a long chat with them. A mix of people with few and many hills under their belts but all happy to be out on such a nice day. Oddly despite the weight of the pack I wasn’t finding the going as hard as I’d expected – having a good path was a definite help – kept going until Sàil Gharbh came into sight.

Image

I was reflecting on how little time it had taken to get here – compared to many Corbetts, the walk in is very short meaning that you get into the hill properly so much quicker. Up at the top it was pretty windy but no complaints from me as it kept the midges well away. Got a reasonable view over towards Glas Bheinn and the two Assynt Munros.

Image

Looking towards Canisp and Suilven beyond Spidean Coinich.

Image

When I first started hill walking, mobile phones didn’t exist and even up to just a few years ago I was still finding that I often couldn’t get a signal even just to make a phone call or text. However, that seems to have changed over the last few years and it still amazes me that we can now get a 4G signal on the top of many of the relatively remote hills. The downside I guess is that I now find myself taking photos on my phone to send via whatsapp to the family, taking photos to post on facebook and taking photos on the camera. Oh the pressure of modern life – it used to be easy – just take a couple of photos so as not to use up too much 35mm film then move on.

Another chat with some walkers at the summit and eventually set off back down to the 703m flat area from where I had a good view of the next stage out to Sàil Gorm.

Image

At first sight it does look a little intimidating with a “bypass path” past the 687m point but as is often the case it’s straightforward when actually there. It does get a little steeper further along in places.

Image

To the west of Kylesku; Loch Glencoul, Loch Glendhu and the distant Loch an Leathiad Bhuain.

Image

Looking back.

Image

Kylesku Bridge

Image

I have many memories of taking the ferry over to Kylestrome in the 1970s before the bridge was built. Kind of “romantic” in a way, a bit like memories of the Skye ferry at Kyle of Lochalsh. Things just seemed to be slower and more relaxed in those days. That said, the Kylesku Bridge is one of my favourites; a fairly simple looking structure, it always strikes me as being elegant and just sort of blends into the background. I first drove over it on a motoring holiday in my first car in early September 1984 not long after it was completed.

Some blue sky at the summit of Sàil Gorm and I was able to see over much of the rest of Assynt.

Image

The usual faffing around again with whatsapp and facebook, some more photos and then I was off for the walk back to Bealach a’Chornaidh passing a gully and a couple of “natural viewpoints” on the way.

Image

Image

Image

I had originally thought about dropping the rucksack for the out/back walks to both Sàil Gharbh and Sàil Gorm but in the end didn’t bother – there were too many walkers around for me to be comfortable doing that and there was an absence of decent hiding places.

The Kylesku Bridge again.

Image

Instead of dropping down to the 703m point, I went a little higher for a direct route over the bealach. I could make out the location of my intended stop for the night – just had to get up and over the 714m top first.

Image

Assynt hills again.

Image

By this time most of the other walkers were long gone but, on the way up, I caught up with two other walkers – perhaps a little older than me. They explained that they like to take their time and were quite happy descending as sunset was approaching. We were discussing the relative merits of going clockwise, like most walkers, or anticlockwise which they told me that they’d been advised to do as it was better to descend from Spidean Coinich. They went on to explain that Spidean Coinich was their final Corbett. Must admit that I was somewhat astonished when they said that as it seemed a massive coincidence - I told them it was the same for me and asked them about some of their earlier trips. Transpired that they actually meant that Spidean Coinich was their final Corbett of the three on Quinag although they had walked quite a few other Corbetts.

We talked for a little longer before they set off for the summit as they had to get back down to their car that night. I wandered around looking for a flat-ish, dry-ish are for the tent and finally settled on a spot just before the lochan. I would have liked to camp at the summit but the pictures I’d seen suggested it would be too rocky.

Image

After setting up the tent, I made dinner. Still quite windy and warm so no problems with midges. Ate my dinner at a “table” with a view.

Image

Finished up, tidied away then set off for the short walk up to the summit which was only about 0.5km and just over 100m of ascent. Got to the top in plenty of time for sunset.

Image

Sat for a while just watching the sunset.

Image

Then had a wee whisky and a toast to my Dad. It was probably mostly down to him that I developed a liking for walking – not so much in the hills as he wasn’t a hillwalker but just paths and tracks in the north west when on holiday. I can still remember to this day sitting with my brothers and him overlooking one of the wee lochans at the end of a track south of Drumbeg – it was one of those quiet, still, relatively warm early evenings with the water flat calm and him telling us to remember it when trudging to school through the snow and slush on a cold, wet winter’s day – strange the things we remember for such a long time. I had hoped that he would still be here when I got to Quinag as it meant a lot to him as well but it wasn’t to be.

Image

Image

It was getting dark when I eventually tore myself away and set off back down to the tent. Made it before it got dark enough to need the headtorch. Deer on the skyline were perhaps a little unhappy that I’d camped beside their water source – was just hoping that they weren’t too thirsty…….

Image

No disturbance through the night from the deer fortunately. Got up just before dawn to catch the sun as it started to rise.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Quite a lot of cloud but it wasn’t cold and there was no condensation at all on the tent. Boiled up some water for porridge and coffee then packed up as the sun got higher.

Image

Set off up towards the summit again, this time with the full pack – looking back down to the lochan and my camping spot.

Image

The rest of the way to the summit of Spidean Coinich.

Image

Back at the summit again I stopped for a few photos.

Image

Image

Contemplating Assynt

Image

Selfie

Image

I didn’t spend too much time there as I had plans for the rest of the day. Set off over rocky ground looking towards loch Assynt.

Image

Looking back, a little mist was rising up from the west.

Image

That view again – currently my desktop wallpaper.

Image

It was just a case then of following the ridge down over more rocky and slabby ground before joining up with the outward path to get back to the car.
User avatar
rockhopper
 
Posts: 7444
Munros:282   Corbetts:222
Fionas:136   Donalds:89+20
Sub 2000:16   Hewitts:2
Wainwrights:3   Islands:20
Joined: May 31, 2009
Location: Glasgow

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby jupe1407 » Wed Oct 06, 2021 7:11 pm

Very well done Rockhopper. A great achievement and a wonderful report. That was a great read with cracking photos. Grahams next?
User avatar
jupe1407
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 1501
Munros:269   Corbetts:52
Fionas:12   
Sub 2000:7   
Islands:6
Joined: May 15, 2012
Location: Forfar

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby gammy leg walker » Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:15 pm

Many congratulations Neil, as always brilliant pictures and nicely written TR, long may you continue to post on here.GLW.
User avatar
gammy leg walker
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 3462
Munros:282   Corbetts:7
Fionas:4   Donalds:3+0
Sub 2000:2   
Islands:7
Joined: Jan 30, 2010
Location: Central Region
Walk wish-list

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby dav2930 » Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:22 pm

Many congratulations RH. Loved reading about how your hill walking began and your very interesting comparisons between the Munros and Corbetts. I was moved too, when you mentioned your dad. Some wonderful photos.

I might manage to compleat the Munros and the Donalds but it's too late for me when it comes to the Corbetts. Hats off to you sir! :clap: :clap:
User avatar
dav2930
Ambler
 
Posts: 1613
Munros:244   Corbetts:14
Fionas:17   Donalds:52
Sub 2000:1   Hewitts:164
Wainwrights:214   Islands:2
Joined: Feb 13, 2015
Location: Cumbria

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby The Rodmiester » Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:33 pm

Very well done Rockhopper great effort. Stunning area Assynt, and a really good read for your Compleation. Really enjoyed reading your report 😁👍
User avatar
The Rodmiester
Walker
 
Posts: 3396
Munros:107   Corbetts:196
Fionas:45   Donalds:13
Sub 2000:76   Hewitts:3
Wainwrights:1   Islands:17
Joined: Aug 15, 2012
Location: Newbigging

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby Sunset tripper » Wed Oct 06, 2021 10:26 pm

I have enjoyed all your reports over the years - this one is up there with the best. A fantastic journey - well done and congratulations.

What next??? :D
User avatar
Sunset tripper
 
Posts: 2961
Joined: Nov 3, 2013
Location: Inverness

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby iangpark » Thu Oct 07, 2021 11:57 am

Brilliant stuff RH - lovely bit of life history and an appropriate choice for another compleation - not dissimilar to Slioch! Those stats further confirm I will definitely not become a Corbett compleater! All the best on whatever's next :-P
User avatar
iangpark
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 318
Munros:81   Corbetts:17
Fionas:24   Donalds:89+52
Sub 2000:80   Hewitts:13
Wainwrights:16   Islands:11
Joined: Dec 29, 2015
Location: Kelty

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby Phil the Hill » Thu Oct 07, 2021 12:56 pm

Well done, and great report with a good choice of celebratory dram. I too have nostalgic memories of the Kylesku ferry from family holidays in the 70s. It was a big adventure going that far North in those days (if you lived in the English Midlands at least).

I imagine there have been few compleations on Quinag because it's one of the few relatively easy multi-Corbett bagging opportunities. I did the 3 Quinag Corbetts early on, but have only managed a total of 27 in 30 years. I'm now beginning to turn my attention to Marilyns (and therefore Corbetts) as I near the end of the Munros.
User avatar
Phil the Hill
Walker
 
Posts: 409
Munros:274   Corbetts:30
Fionas:12   Donalds:13
Sub 2000:38   Hewitts:136
Wainwrights:63   Islands:25
Joined: Sep 22, 2010
Location: Wallington, Surrey

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby Avocetboy » Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:04 pm

Brilliant, really enjoyably. Probably my favorite mountain having been up it numerous time and tend to spend a week most years at Drumbeg with fantastic views over to Quinag. Whetted my appetite for next years visit,
Avocetboy
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 374
Munros:59   Corbetts:21
Fionas:7   Donalds:9
Sub 2000:8   Hewitts:41
Wainwrights:74   Islands:7
Joined: Feb 6, 2011
Location: Boston, Lincolnshire

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby kmai1961 » Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:31 pm

Congratulations, RH, a terrific write-up, and a fabulous compleation hill / outing. I've followed your reports and some of your routes (thank you!) over the years.

Long may you continue to wander!
kmai1961
Wanderer
 
Posts: 633
Munros:282   Corbetts:189
Fionas:90   Donalds:65
Sub 2000:51   Hewitts:30
Wainwrights:39   Islands:24
Joined: Aug 12, 2012
Location: nr Glasgow

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby Gordie12 » Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:57 pm

Congrats RH,

Great hills to finish on and as always great report/photos.
User avatar
Gordie12
Wanderer
 
Posts: 2152
Munros:114   Corbetts:65
Fionas:30   Donalds:38+0
Sub 2000:35   Hewitts:37
Wainwrights:32   
Joined: Sep 6, 2012
Location: Nr Forfar

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby BlackPanther » Thu Oct 07, 2021 4:59 pm

Many congrats from us, too! :clap: :clap: :clap: What a trip to finish the long journey!

I'm in the process of writing my own walk report on Quinag, it's such a fantastic mountain. Might wait a few days to post it though :wink:
User avatar
BlackPanther
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 3839
Munros:266   Corbetts:179
Fionas:134   
Sub 2000:74   
Joined: Nov 2, 2010
Location: Beauly, Inverness-shire

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby battie72 » Thu Oct 07, 2021 5:06 pm

Congratulations that man! Really enjoyed reading your report and those sunrise pics :thumbup:
User avatar
battie72
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 90
Munros:271   Corbetts:133
Fionas:212   Donalds:79+37
Sub 2000:15   Hewitts:16
Wainwrights:3   Islands:21
Joined: Aug 27, 2012
Location: Sunny Gourock by the sea!

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby Sgurr » Thu Oct 07, 2021 5:37 pm

Simply great.
User avatar
Sgurr
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 5679
Munros:282   Corbetts:222
Fionas:219   Donalds:89+52
Sub 2000:569   Hewitts:172
Wainwrights:214   Islands:58
Joined: Nov 15, 2010
Location: Fife

Re: Quinag (#222) - a Corbetts' compleation camp

Postby weaselmaster » Thu Oct 07, 2021 6:48 pm

For some reason I thought it was the Beinn Deargs you’d completed on. But hey, all great hills. You chose a great day for it, when we did an overnighted one Sail Gorm the cloud came down as the sun set and we saw nothing. Nice way to finish them off.
weaselmaster
Hill Bagger
 
Posts: 2423
Munros:277   Corbetts:216
Fionas:178   Donalds:73+30
Sub 2000:391   Hewitts:33
Wainwrights:15   Islands:28
Joined: Aug 22, 2012
Location: Greenock

47 people think this report is great.
Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Next



Can you help support Walkhighlands?


Our forum is free from adverts - your generosity keeps it running.
Can you help support Walkhighlands and this community by donating by direct debit?



Return to Walk reports - Scotland

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 26 guests