The Merrick

[walk aboot]

On Saturday one of my pals and I headed South wards to the Merrick. We had been meaning to walk this hill for ages, so finally took the time to arrange it.

The Merrick, a Corbett, is the highest summit in Southern Scotland. It is situated in Galloway Forest Park, so there is lots to do around the area - cycling, birdwatching, etc.

The Merrick (and/or it's surrounding area? ) is known as 'the awful hand', so I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I did have it in my mind's eye as being a bit like the Cobbler or something - knobbly. It wasn't. It was a terrific walk along a nice broad ridge.

We started the walk at the designated car park in Glen Trool. There is a visitor centre just before this, so we popped in to buy some home-baking beforehand (banana and date scones - ).

The path upwards is steep but clearly marked (felt it could do with a wee bit of work to improve drainage, but then again it was a rainy day).

Path Upwards

Early on in the walk you hear the thundering noise of a nearby waterfall.

First glimpse of the waterfall

It's a pretty awesome sight once you get a full view of it.

Waterfall

Next on the route is a wee trek through some forest. You pass Culsharg bothy just before this (didn't take a photo, looks great but a bit blowy brrrr - no window glass/frames or doors).

Forest Track

It's a steady pace climb all the way up to Benyellary (eagle mountain - didn't see any ), but then there's is a brilliant broad ridge walk all the way from that to the Merrick. This is called the Nieve of Spit (fortunately didn't see any of that either, see enough spit on pavements living in the Gorbals urgh ).

Looking back towards Benyellary from the Nieve of Spit

The weather got a bit wet, wet, wet and windy here, but we did get the odd bout of sunshine and occasional views.

A bit of a view near-ish the summit

There was no view at all from the misty summit (took us long enough to find the trig point! ), but all in all it was a fantastic walk. I would be happy to walk it again in any weather .

The Summit

[mountain coward]

It's a nice walk that isn't it? I should have taken more photos - we had better weather so I don't know why I didn't?! Nice to see it again - I like Dumfries and Galloway

[walk aboot]

Yup , got home late after taking a scenic drive back through lots of pretty villages.

[magicdin]

Good wee report walk aboot - I liked the Merrick
Just also read DonnyW's report - more or less followed his route
But I did'nt know about the grey man.
Must go back sometime

[walk aboot]

I remembered DonnyW's report when I was doing the walk, MD. Was thinking I should have taken it with me, to look out for all the things he mentioned in it. Er I didn't though, completely missed the grey man too .

[magicdin]

Aye - it is a very interesting area,with a lot of history
Next time I hope to do a circuit taking in Mullwharcar and Craignaw

[walk aboot]

I used to walk in Southern Scotland quite a bit a few years back (with my walking group), almost forgot how nice the rollin' hills are to walk around there.

Oops forgot to add this photo of the misty Merrick...

Misty Merrick

[magicdin]

AYE OK

Have'nt done an awful lot down that way
One of the things planned when this bagging malarkey is put to rest

[walk aboot]

Nope, don't suppose you have (you could always ice climb up the Grey Mare's tail in Winter if you're looking for something a bit fiercer than the John Buchan way mind ).

[magicdin]

But does the John Buchan Way have pubs along the route ??

[walk aboot]

Nope, but if you finish the walk in Peebles there are a number of good ales houses there .

[magicdin]

Nope, but if you finish the walk in Peebles there are a number of good ales houses there .

Yes I have just googled it - did'nt realise it was only 13 miles - looks a good walk

Oh and John Buchan - brings to mind "Gorbals Diehards"

[walk aboot]

Linear walk, but there's a local bus service


Good walk for you now that you're becoming a rambler an' all, MD (profile/avator-wise)

[magicdin]

Linear walk, but there's a local bus service


Good walk for you now that you're becoming a rambler an' all, MD (profile/avator-wise)

Yep - looks good - googled timetables etc etc - might be a good winter's day walk
Although John Buchan centre only open May to October
Wonder what times the Broughton Brewery is open

[walk aboot]

Yup, I did it January once as the first walk of the year. Would make a good magicdin trip report 39 steps-style .

Traquair House has a brewery too, also seasonal opening, April to October.