Black Carls; Quinag - 18 May 2025
The Black Carls (Bodaich Dubh), Beinn Eighe 18/05/2025
Who said that Sunday should be a sofa day, not when you can meet with other people for a fun walk and scramble up the Black Carls, especially after being cancelled few times due to poor weather.
The motivation was there, and six happy ladies (Stela, Mairi, Gill, Juliette, Karina and Henri) and Mr Martyn set off for the adventure. A short and sweet scramble compared to our usual 20km walks! Two cars were left at the end of the route to make it easier, saving the tedious road walk. After the route was discussed, we left in great spirits. It was a nice and easy start along paths, the team managed to cross the only burn safely, scrambling out of the gully up after filling the bottles with water. The sun was shining with blue skies and a short break followed up with some good conversation.
The scrambling started as soon as good quartzite was reached, the ridge was gained and after first lunch the serious part of the day commenced. The ridge narrows with blocky quartzite and some short down climbs. The icing on the cake were the short pitches climbing out of the notches on the ridge.
The team summited Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe, Sgurr Ban (second lunch) and finally Spidean Coire nan Clach. The descent to the carpark in the glen was steep and eroded at first but then became easier.
The weather was perfect for scrambling with dry warm rock, this with blue skies and a cooling breeze made for a superb day out.
Words and pictures: Stela and Martyn
Quinag
A circuit of the tops of Quinag, Assynt, including Spidean Coinich (764 m), Sail Gorm (776 m) & Sail Gharbh (809 m).
Meet report below.
The club enjoyed a fantastic day out exploring the dramatic ridges and peaks of Quinag, one of the north-west Highlands’ most iconic mountain massifs. With clear blue skies and far-reaching views, the conditions were near perfect, offering an unforgettable experience for all participants.
The day began with a warm-up ascent of Creag na h-Iolaire Ard (714 m), which provided a gentle introduction and scenic views over Assynt. From there, the group took on the striking summit of Spidean Coinich (764 m), enjoying a fine ridge walk and the first of several summit cairn photos.
The team continued westward to tick off the lesser-known tops of Sail Gharbh West Top (745 m) and Sail Gharbh Far West Top (687 m), both offering quiet moments of reflection and excellent perspectives of Quinag’s complex geography.
After a well-earned snack break, the group made their way across to Sail Gorm (776 m), followed by a final push up to the main summit of Sail Gharbh (809 m) – the highest point of the day. With spirits still high and legs just beginning to feel the effort, the group soaked in sweeping views over Loch Assynt, Suilven, and beyond.
Throughout the day, there was a real sense of camaraderie and shared appreciation for the wild beauty of the area, which is carefully managed by the John Muir Trust. The meet not only delivered an excellent physical challenge but also a chance to connect with the landscape and one another.
Many thanks to all who attended for making it such a memorable day on the hill.
Taking part: Rachel, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Lucas, Lukasz, Gavin, Helen, Catherine, John
Words: Lucasz; Photos: Lucasz and Charlotte