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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.