Walkhighlands

If Monday had been a fine day Tuesday was Magnificent. We decided that we’d have a go at the highest hill in the area (it’s the rules! ) and set off to climb Merrick from Loch Trool. If the scenery on Cairnsmore of Fleet had been quite Pennine in Character the landscape around Loch Trool was wonderful, a mix between the Lakes and the Highlands.

Following a brief recce of Bruce’s Stone and views of Loch Trool we set off up the path above the beautiful Buchan Burn. This section of path really was quite splendid and the route up to the Bothy at Culsharg was wonderful.


Loch Trool from Bruce's Stone by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Buchan Burn by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Shortly after passing the bothy some forestry signs suggested a diversion due to subsidence on the path up through the forest. We decided to take the suggested route as we had no idea just what the problem was. The alternative route, marked by pink ribbons, was steep and rough but we did come across some patches of snow that Hughie found quite invigorating.


Super Dog! by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Looking back to Lamachan Hill by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Loch Trool Inversion by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Rejoining the main path by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Soon enough following a boggy trudge we re-joined the main path by the gate. We did notice a few people coming up via the usual route but as the diversion wasn’t too bad we returned the same way rather than risk whatever lay in the forest.
By now an inversion had formed over Loch Trool as well as the huge inversion to the South and we enjoyed both these on the simple ascent up the fine minor top of Benyellary.


Merrick from Benyellary by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Galloway Forrest by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The views over the wild interior of the Galloway forest were superb as was the prospect of Arran and Ailsa Craig but we didn't linger for too long as our main aim of Merrick was calling to the North.
A simple enough walk along the ridge (I thought it was very reminiscent of High Street and the straights of Riggindale) took us to Merrick’s summit. The views were superb in all directions with the snowy tops of the Lake District clearly visible around 70 miles away.


Grace on Merrick Summit by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


View West from Merrick by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Looking East from Merrick by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


The Lake District from Merrick by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (Click on pic for larger version)

It was fairly chilly on the top so after a quick snack we headed down enjoying the views with the subtly different light as the sun got lower in the sky.


Heading Down by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Lamachan Hill and Benyellary by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (Click on pic for larger version)


View from the Bothy at Culsharg by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


GlenTrool by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr


Loch Trool from Bruce's Stone by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

All in all it was a fantastically memorable day in wonderful conditions with outstanding scenery, a highly recommended walk.

Wow, what a great day for walking! Looked an excellent walk and, you were right, I spotted myself in the photo of the Lakes
Superb scenery in your wonderful photos Loved the photo of Hughie in the snow!
Glad you all had such a good day

Wow that photogaphy is magnificent.... So wish this good weather would last..

SusieThePensioner wrote:Wow, what a great day for walking! Looked an excellent walk and, you were right, I spotted myself in the photo of the Lakes
Superb scenery in your wonderful photos Loved the photo of Hughie in the snow!
Glad you all had such a good day

Thanks Susie Hughie loves the snow and goes quite crazy whenever he sees it.

hills wrote:Wow that photogaphy is magnificent.... So wish this good weather would last..

Thanks hills I'm hoping it will last till at least the weekend, need another hill fix

This hill was my second walk with Paisley Hillwalking Club- cats,dogs and buckets with a strong wind ! Didn't put me off though No photos that day, but you had much better weather conditions- so I'll use that as an excuse

soulminer wrote:This hill was my second walk with Paisley Hillwalking Club- cats,dogs and buckets with a strong wind ! Didn't put me off though No photos that day, but you had much better weather conditions- so I'll use that as an excuse

Thanks soulminer, The conditions don't get much better that that day, the type of day that keeps you going up them hills

Do we have a campaign to make more folks aware of these hills - or maybe we should keep quiet and enjoy them in all their glory.

I went over Merrick at the beginning of the month and had a great time extending the walk over Buchan Hill as well.



OD

old danensian wrote:Do we have a campaign to make more folks aware of these hills - or maybe we should keep quiet and enjoy them in all their glory.

I went over Merrick at the beginning of the month and had a great time extending the walk over Buchan Hill as well.

Merrick-01.jpg

OD

We'll whisper it quietly

Haven't been on the hills here so far but looks great - excellent set of photos as ever ! - cheers

Great report John Kay. Loving the picture of Super Dog and glad you managed to catch him doing that. This certainly is giving me itchy feet to get out there with the tripod http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/posting.php?mode=reply&f=9&t=29243#

rockhopper wrote:Haven't been on the hills here so far but looks great - excellent set of photos as ever ! - cheers

Cheers Rockhopper, some great country in Galloway.

MarkyMark10 wrote:Great report John Kay. Loving the picture of Super Dog and glad you managed to catch him doing that. This certainly is giving me itchy feet to get out there with the tripod

I've been trying for a while to capture Hughie being silly but he always looks at me once I raise the camera as if to say "What?"
Glad you like the tripod.