Shalloch on Minnoch, Tarfessock & Kirriereoch Hill

[colinwatson]

My main motivation for this walk was to tick off the south top on Tarfessock - I had climbed the main summit, along with Shalloch on Minnoch in 1981, but had neglected to add the top! However, as it was a sunny and cool day, this walk was no hardship.

Parked at the Forrestry Commission car park at Kirriereoch and was on my way.

Tarfessock from the track

The track makes for a quick start and I was soon at the firebreak that leads to the end of the west ridge of Tarfessock. There is a path at the right hand side of the fire break that gives good walking conditions. I was soon on the ridge and I decided to have a tea break before traversing to gain the Shalloch on Minnoch col.

Shalloch on Minnoch from the tea break spot

After tea, I made a rising traverse to the col, seeing a couple of deer en route. Not too far from the col up to the summit. I went to both the trig point and the ring contour on the plateau - I think that the ring contour might be marginally higher. The summit views were great. Although it was a bit hazy, I could still see Arran, Kintyre, Ailsa Craig, Antrim, the Cumbrian Fells, and, of course, the Galloway Hills.

Ailsa Craig from Shalloch on Minnoch

Cairnsmore of Carsphairn from the top.

Kirriereoch Hill and Tarfessock

Lochs Mackaterick, Riecawr & Doon

An easy walk back to the col, then just a short pull up to the main summit of Tarfessock.

Shalloch on Minnoch from Tarfessock

Looking down to the elusive south top with Kirriereoch behind

Another short walk led to the main objective of the day - the south top of Tarfessock. Once there, I was reassured that I had not visited this summit before!

Looking back north along the ridge

I was glad of the recent dry weather as I made my way over the col leading to Kirriereoch, as this area definitely has the potential to be boggy.

The summit slopes of Kirriereoch

Quite a steep clamber up boulders to get to the summit.

The Merrick and Loch Enoch from Kirriereoch

Loch Enoch, Dungeon Hill & Craignaw

Tarfessock and Shalloch on Minnoch

I descended the west ridge to get back to the track. Easy to follow a narrow path and the wall/fence that marks the Dumfriesshire and Ayrshire boundary. I decided to head to the track at the bottom of the fire break from this morning.

The west ridge in retrospect

An easy walk back to the car park along the track.

The Merrick and Benyellary from the car park

Kirriereoch Hill and Merrick

Another very enjoyable and satisfying day in Galloway.

[SecretSquirrel]

I love wondering in the Southern Uplands. I still have these too do, so its good to see what to expect. It looks like you had a good clear day for it, hopefully I can get the same!

Cheers.