Corserine and the Rhinns of Kells, Forrest Lodge

To the east of Merrick are vast areas of forestry plantations. The great Rhinns of Kells ridge, however, rises proudly above the treeline and offers an excellent hillwalk. The high point is Corserine, a Corbett and an extensive viewpoint.

Terrain

Forest tracks lower down. The paths on the exposed hilltops are faint.

Public Transport

None to start.

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Start

Car park near Forrest Lodge. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 16.5km/10.25 miles
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 903m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NX552862

Summits Climbed

Corbett / Donald: Corserine
Donald: Meikle Millyea
Donald: Milldown

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
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GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park, a number of roads lead off in different directions.�Professor Hans Hoiberg road is used for the return route but for our route head towards Forrest Lodge before turning left�onto a forest track which takes you�towards a white cottage (signposted Fore Bush).�Walk past the gate and enter the forest proper.

Stage 2

The track ascends gradually; as it splits near Loch�Harrow, take the right fork -�a sign directs hillwalkers at this point. Follow this track until you come to a large boulder beside a fir tree and cross the burn via a stone bridge. Wending through the forest, a stile is visible, which crosses the deer fence�(100m from stone bridge). North Gairy Top comes into view.

Stage 3

From the stile, ascend the open slopes via a faint path to Polmaddy Gairy. Follow the edge of the corrie to the summit trig point of Corserine.�In clear weather, the route�over the Rhinns of�Kells is obvious�but in poor visibility,�descend SSE before ascending up on to Millfire, with its summit cairn. The extent of forestation�is obvious�as trees encroach on the 700m mark.

Stage 4

The route over to Milldown and Meikle Millyea undulates, with a stone dyke leading to the trig point and large cairn of Meikle Millyea.

Stage 5

There are expansive views over Loch Dungeon�and to the West, the Merrick and Shalloch on Minnoch. Descend NE down a broad ridge to a bouldery outcrop. There is a faint path which leads East and for the most part, follows a dyke down to the edge of the forest. A�stile takes you back through a firebreak and on to the�forest track. The walk back to the car park takes you past Burnhead cottages and on to Professor Hans�Hoiberg road.

Walk description and other photos: Kevin Pollock

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.