Quinag

Quinag is the most northerly of the great Assynt mountains, made up of three peaks — Sáil Ghorm, Sáil Gharbh and Spidean Coinich — arranged in a rough Y-shape connected by broad ridges. Viewed from the north, the steep faces dominate the landscape; from the south, Spidean Coinich presents a broader south-east shoulder dropping toward Loch Assynt. The 355 m paragliding launch works on N flow along the south-east ridge of Spidean Coinich, reached easily from the roadside car park. Bottom landing is possible anywhere at the base of the slope, though the ground is rough in places — plan your target carefully before committing.

Launch & conditions

From the roadside car park, an easy path leads onto the edge of the south-east ridge of Spidean Coinich, with a variety of possible launch points. The mountain's shape and craggy slopes combine to make the conditions important — pay attention to any wind shift, especially the sea breeze that turns the launch leeward.

Getting there & local rules

Travelling north from Skiag Bridge toward Kylesku on the A894, parking is available beside the road at its high point, at a small car park popular with hillwalkers.

Local rules & hazards

Quinag is inside the Highland Restricted Area — midweek flying is subject to strict restrictions that pilots must review before travelling. Keep a close eye on wind direction to make sure it does not swing too far west, which happens when the sea breeze sets in and turns the launch leeside.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Quinag, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Quinag with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.