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Having decided on the top of Shalloch on Minnoch not to walk the complete ridge from north to south it was just a short drive from the Bell Memorial car park down to Loch Trool. I didn't see a soul on SoM, this place is different.
- Busy place
There was a race on and I learned later that there were 127 runners which probably explains the overflowing car parks.
Walked up the road for 100 yards to another car park and the walk for The Merrick is clearly signed. A good track follows the burn before taking the high route and leaving the burn behind. It feels like somebody has flicked a switch, the sun is out and with no breeze to speak of, it 's very warm.
After the climb away from the burn the path undulates before reaching Kilsharg bothy.
- Approaching Kilsharg bothy
The path climbs away from the bothy and meets a forestry track and it was here I met a marshall who was telling me about the race. A quick right on to the forestry track and left off it, through a gate - the climb starts.
- The view before entering the trees
It's quite a steep climb through the forest to reach the open hillside and quite a few people around, most are on their way back to the car park as my starting time was just after 1pm and there is only one other person I can see who is climbing the hill.
Once out in the open there is still a good path which would normally give me a good surface to make decent time but Shalloch on Minnoch has tested the legs and it is more of a slow plod with a number of "photo opportunities" thrown in.
- Looking up to the top of Benyellary
- Bennan
- Looking out to Ailsa Craig
Eventually the good path becomes a grassy path but with the number of people that seem to do this hill it's short grass and a bit eroded in places. Arriving at the top of Benyellary I get my first view of Merrick.
- Merrick from the top of Benyellary
- View East
- And again
The steepest part of the climb is now behind me and it's just a short drop down on the Neive of the Spit before the gradual easy ascent to the summit of Merrick.
- Kirriereoch Hill
- A zoomed Ailsa Craig
Had a seat on a rock for about 15 minutes, it was a great afternoon to take in the views. There was still a bit of distant mist out to sea so I could make out the Arran tops but not a day to see Northern Ireland.
A little refreshed it was time to get the legs going again and retrace my steps back. At the top of Benyellary I stopped again for a few minutes to get my last look at the view before losing height - great viewpoint.
- View east from the Neive of the Spit
- Looking up to the top of Benyellary
- View East
- Back to Merrick
On the way down off Benyellary I passed a could of groups who had settled for this hill rather than going on to Merrick.
Once down beyond the bothy the walk down to the car park was really enjoyable, it was after 5pm and the lowering sun gave the glen a great light.
- View before heading back in to the forest
- Kilsharg bothy
- View down to Loch Trool
- Loch Trool again
At the car park there was just a motor home, a van and my car so a bit of a different feel to it.
Slightly frustrating that I just did this hill in isolation but it's a good hill with some great view from both Benyellary and Merrick.