Quinag - Sail Ghorm [Sail Gorm]

About Quinag - Sail Ghorm [Sail Gorm]

This northern arm of the Quinag massif offers a more secluded character than its neighbouring central peaks. Reached by a spectacular high-level traverse from Sàil Gharbh, the summit provides an unparalleled perspective over the island-dotted waters of Eddrachillis Bay and the rugged Assynt coastline far below.

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Did You Know?

• •The name Sàil Ghorm translates from Scottish Gaelic as 'Blue Heel'. This likely stems from how the peak appears to mariners out at sea, where its massive sandstone bulk often takes on a deep, hazy indigo hue against the Sutherland sky.
• •The summit offers one of the finest coastal views in the Highlands, looking directly down onto the maze of islands in Eddrachillis Bay and across to the distinctive profiles of Handa Island and the distant mountains of Foinaven and Arkle.
• •Geologically, the mountain displays a classic Assynt 'layer cake' structure: a foundation of ancient Lewisian Gneiss topped with layers of Torridonian Sandstone and a final, bright cap of Cambrian Quartzite.
• •While it is a Corbett in its own right, it is almost exclusively climbed as part of the full Quinag circuit, which requires a sharp descent and re-ascent from the high bealach below Sàil Gharbh.
• •The 'Y' shape of the Quinag massif means that despite being a coastal hill, the summit feels remarkably isolated, separated from the main Sutherland interior by the deep glacial troughs of the surrounding glens.
• •Given the proximity to the North Atlantic and the exposed nature of the ridge, the local wind frequently attempts to rearrange your facial features before you have finished your lunch.