by inca » Sun Jun 14, 2015 5:50 am
Corbetts included on this walk: Merrick
Fionas included on this walk: Mullwharchar
Date walked: 12/06/2015
Time taken: 6.5 hours
Distance: 20 km
Ascent: 970m
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Attendees: Me, Big Dog, Small Dog.
Bruce’s Stone – Culsharg Bothy – Benyellary – The Merrick – Redstone Rig – Loch Enoch – Mullwharchar – Loch Enoch – Loch Niedricken – Murder Hole – Loch Valley – Buchan Hill – Bruce’s Stone
This walk was planned to include Dungeon Hill and Craignaw however on reaching Mullwharchar, the half-way point, it was clear Big Dog was toiling in the heat. MWIS had promised 7-14 degrees heat at 750m and a light breeze. The latter didn’t happen and it felt much hotter – came away with a ‘farmer’s tan’ myself. There were plenty of water stops but didn’t like the way it was shaping up. Even though continuing as planned involved only 400m more ascent. May have been over-cautious but, hey ho, better that than the other.
Took decision to stay low and head back. Dropped down to Loch Enoch’s southern shore (an achingly beautiful and peaceful spot). Unsuccessful search for the remains of the Whitley bomber crashed there. Then followed fence south to Loch Niedricken and ploughed around west shore to Murder Hole. Not a great deal to see so carried on to the wet, tussocky and knee-twisting track at Loch Valley. Just over an hour, and many curses later, was back at the car park. That path is truly dreadful in parts.
Tracking round the lochs added quite a bit of distance. With exception of an elderly couple on Benellary, saw only 2 other folk all day. Two young lads carrying huge rucksacks near Murder Hole. Brief chat – they had come over Kirriereoch Hill, skirted Merrick and planned to camp at Niedricken.
Back for Craignaw and Dungeon Hill another day.
