The Merrick, from Loch Trool

The Merrick is the highest summit in Southern Scotland and lies at the heart of the Galloway ranges. This popular ascent from Loch Trool provides the easiest route up to gain a panorama that includes much of the Galloway Forest as well as across to Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Terrain

Good hill path to upper slopes, then bare earth ridge path.

Public Transport

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Start

Car park near Bruce's Stone. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.25km/8.25 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 875m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NX414803

Summits Climbed

Corbett / Donald: The Merrick

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 318 - Galloway North
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the car park near the end of the public road up Glen Trool, and continue along the last 100m of road on foot. A short detour to the right is worthwhile to visit Bruce's Stone. This is a cairn erected in 1929 to commemorate a battle in which Robert the Bruce - with just 300 men - defeated an English army of 1500 heavy cavalry by luring them to the steep banks of Loch Trool. This act of guerilla warfare was a first shot in the long campaign the Bruce fought before securing the crown of an independent Scotland. The cairn has a great outlook across the loch.

Stage 2

Return to the road and then take the path that slopes diagonally uphill, signed as the 'Merrick Trail'. The path climbs high above the Buchan Burn - some noisy waterfalls below it remaining out of sight. Eventually the burn catches up with the path as you go through a kissing gate. Further on a sign indicates where to turn left to climb above the burn once more, before the path plunges into a dark forestry plantation.

Stage 3

Passing out into the open again, the route heads towards the bothy at Kilsharg. This provides some shelter although the doors and windows are missing. From here the path climbs steeply through the trees, soon emerging on a forestry track. Turn right, crossing a bridge, and then left again back onto a path to resume the ascent.

Stage 4

Eventually the trees are left behind; the path heads gently up open ground and goes through a kissing gate in a fence. Finally the prepared path becomes a rough trod up the ridge to the right of a wall on the steady climb up to Benyellary. The excellent views looking back include both Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man - providing a good excuse for a break. The top of Benyellary itself is marked by a cairn to the right of the path.

Stage 5

The Merrick itself is now revealed. Continue along the narrower connecting ridge known as the Neive of the Spit. After crossing the lowest point the path cuts up the open slope aiming directly for the summit, which is marked by a whitewashed trig point in a massive tumbledown cairn.

Stage 6

The views, as might be expected, are superb, offering a great overview of the whole area, especially the wild and empty country that stretches away to the east and north. For most people, it is best to retrace your steps and return the same way. More experienced hillwalkers - who don't mind pathless sections and very boggy paths - can take an alternative route via Loch Valley.

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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.