The Merrick via Benyellary

[cheekykarma]

Myself and three amigos made the journey down to Galloway Forest Park to journey to the Merrick.

The plan had been to go onto Benyellary, onto The Merrick, up to Mullwharchar, to Dungeon Hill, and then to Craignaw. The weather changed this to Benyellary and The Merrick, and my poor legs were glad of the change too. Unfortunately off the pace having not been out on the hills for far too long. Yet still a good day and a great walk.

The car park was fairly busy for such a rainy day. Showers were to be on and off all day. Making it awkward hot and sweaty in the muggy climate. Waterproofs on, too toasty, waterproofs off, too wet. No medium to be happy with.

Along with this mugginess was of course the midge. Who had a good chew on my face as we booted ourselves up. Cursing myself again for the thoughts at six in the morning of, nah no need for that skin so soft stuff today.....

To start with is a small monument on the path to The Merrick. Bruce's Stone. Marks the 1307 Battle of Glen Trool. Several hundred infantry belonging to Robert of Scotland saw off several hundred cavalry of Aymer de Valance of Pembroke.

I am not sure how many years of past history a fight of the few grows to the hundreds adding on lore and legend.

Loch Trool

Bruce's Stone

The path leading onward to The Merrick is straightforward through ferns and alongside the Buchan Burn to start. It is a path of constant ascent and while not steep really my legs did indeed feel having not been walking as much.

The Buchan Burn

The first stretch leads up to Culsharg bothy. The light rains and rising and falling of the breeze was welcome in the midge was got rid of.

looking back from Culsharg bothy

Culsharg Bothy

Rising in height toward Benyellary gained some moments when the grey lifted and pockets of sunshine afforded some views.

Looking back toward Buchan Hill

For me it was a huff and a puff on onto Benyellary.

Benyellary Cairn

Another stretch and more huffing and puffing for me to The Merrick. The highest hill in the Southern Uplands at 843 metres. Part of the range of the awful hand making this trip a journey over the thumb and index.

On route to The Merrick looking back to Benyellary

The trig of The Merrick

The route back was the same way we had came and on the way back one of the best views of the day was Ailsa Craig peeking out.

Ailsa Craig

Looking down the valley from the Neive of the Spit

another of Ailsa Craig beyond

A good day indeed. The weather forecast was foretelling doom. Yet the showers came and went and still offered some breaks and views, even actual proper sunshine.

Certainly an area to return to.

[robertphillips]

Good report the merrick is a good walk.