Range of the Awful Hand, Galloway

[LDPWalker]

I am planning to walk from Stinchar Bridge over Shalloch on Minnoch, then Tarfessock, then Kirriereoch Hill to the Merrick and down into Glen Trool. It all looks feasible apart from Kirriereoch Hill to Merrick, particularly past Little Spear, just to the north of Merrick itself. I can't make out if that section is possible or particularly exposed and dangerous. Would any of you experienced people out there know the situation? Thanks.

[Gavin99]

Don't know about experienced but I happened to wander along that route this summer , apart from one short steepish section just north of Kirriereoch it's a breeze , the Little Spear is no problem . This is a lovely walk , enjoy.....

View from Kirriereoch looking south to Little Spear and Merrick

[LDPWalker]

Gavin99, thanks for that. The picture is excellent, it gives me a very good impression. All I need now is a decent day over Xmas......

[Caberfeidh]

I have been there in winter; the short sharp steep part just north of the Merrick is very dodgey indeed, with unexpectedly steep drop-offs on either side, hidden by snow cornices. It all depends on the conditions on the day.

[LDPWalker]

Caberfeidh, thanks for the extra detail which I have noted! I think I will stick my crampons and axe in the bag, just to be on the safe side.

[Tinto63]

I haven't walked from Kirriereoch to The Merrick, but these 2 shots taken from Kirriereoch of The Merrick might help and show the ridge (Little Spear) Caberfeidh mentions. (the top part of Gavin 99's photo)

Hope you enjoy your trip.

[LDPWalker]

Tinto63, thanks for the useful pictures. It certainly looks like it couild be a bit tricky in certain conditions as Caberfeidh suggests, I shall definitely be packing axe and crampons