Quinag Summit Paths

Quinag’s paths are exposed to some of the most extreme weather that the Assynt area experiences throughout the year. The paths are also extremely popular with both local and visiting hill walkers, and have predominantly evolved over time due to recreational access. They were in mixed condition as a result of this access and the harsh climate. The erosion not only had a detrimental effect on the paths but also impacted on the soils and vegetation.

The project aimed to repair the eroded sections of path by using a pre-emptive and light touch approach. John Muir Trust used low impact methods to repair and restore the route to a naturalised path which will maintain a high quality, wild land experience for hill walkers together with protecting the fragile upland environment.  Higher sections of the path were particularly at risk where rainfall and snowmelt had washed away the route. Using experienced contractors, boulders from the nearby hillside were used to stabilise the steeper ground and also to construct drainage features to shed water off the path. All work was done by hand and involved long walks into the site.