Shalloch on Minnoch and Kirriereoch Hill

Shalloch on Minnoch is the most northerly major summit on the ridge that runs northwards from The Merrick. The route described here traverses to Kirriereoch Hill before making a pathless alternative descent, with two river crossings.

Terrain

The forestry approach is boggy. Descent route given from Kirriereoch Hill is rough and pathless, with two burn/river crossings; in spate, it is better to retrace your steps.

Public Transport

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Start

Bell Memorial car park. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 22km/13.75 miles
Time: 6 - 8 hours
Ascent: 943m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NX353906

Summits Climbed

Corbett / Donald: Shalloch on Minnoch
Donald: Tarfessock
Donald: Kirriereoch Hill

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 Bell Memorial car park in the northern reaches of Glen Trool forest. David Bell was a keen cyclist in the first half of the twentieth century; he wrote many articles about the area under the name 'Highwayman'. There are picnic tables and a grassy area for the more relaxed visitor with splendid views across the Galloway Forest to Shalloch on Minnoch and The Merrick. From the car park, walk 100m North until you see a sign-posted forest track.

Stage 2

Follow the forest track past Laglanny, where there is a dilapidated cottage and a curiously modern, white garage. There is significant deforestation from this point on. The track crosses over a bridge. At this point, do not continue on the forest track but follow an old track south alongside the burn until it heads towards the now defunct Shalloch on Minnoch farm. The old track to the farm has eroded into the river slightly but a path can be followed up to the farm.

Stage 3

Go past the old farm and follow the Shalloch burn to a dilapidated old sleeper bridge. There are stepping stones for the less brave. On the far side, head towards the trees following the burn until the smaller Shiel Rig Burn joins the larger burn. A fire-break (not terribly obvious) can be followed ENE to the open hillside. This area is very boggy.

Stage 4

Ascend grassy slopes on to the plateau of Shalloch on Minnoch. Pass a small cairn until you reach the shelter cairn and trig-point. However, the highest point of the hill is a further 200m SE of the trig point. From here the views across to Tarfessock and the Merrick are impressive.

Stage 5

The easiest return - and recommended if burns are in spate - is the same way. However it is possible to extend the walk to the former Corbett of Kirrereoch Hill and make a descent from there. Descend bouldery slopes to the Nick of Carclach at first and ascend Tarfessock, which affords a fine view back to Shalloch on Minnoch. To continue on to Kirriereoch Hill, continue SSE before heading up quite steep ground on to the summit.

Stage 6

Now either retrace your steps all the way back, crossing Shalloch on Minnoch en route (the descent shown in the SMC guide from Tarfessock is overgrown by conifers) - or alternatively, in dry weather, head down the rough ridge to the west to the Carnirock Stone, with great views towards The Merrick. From the stone head NW down to reach the Cross Burn. This is the first of two burns to cross on this descent route.

Photo - Steve Kent

Stage 7

On the far side continue west until you can cross a felled area to meet a track to the NW (alternatively the track can be reached by continuing W, eventually following a small burn). Either way, follow the track for 2km or so until a clear track branches off to the right. Take this turning, and keep right on the main track at a junction just after, and then left just short of Tarfessock Farm. The Water of Minnoch is then reached but the bridge at this point is long gone; there is a place to ford the river just to the north (impossible in spate). Continue to the minor road and turn right along this to eventually return to the start.

This photo - Mary and Angus Hogg

Route, other photos by 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.