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Monday had been a fine day Tuesday was Magnificent. We decided that we’d have a go at the highest hill in the area (it’s the rules!
) and set off to climb Merrick from Loch Trool. If the scenery on Cairnsmore of Fleet had been quite Pennine in Character the landscape around Loch Trool was wonderful, a mix between the Lakes and the Highlands.
Following a brief recce of Bruce’s Stone and views of Loch Trool we set off up the path above the beautiful Buchan Burn. This section of path really was quite splendid and the route up to the Bothy at Culsharg was wonderful.
Loch Trool from Bruce's Stone by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Buchan Burn by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Shortly after passing the bothy some forestry signs suggested a diversion due to subsidence on the path up through the forest. We decided to take the suggested route as we had no idea just what the problem was. The alternative route, marked by pink ribbons, was steep and rough but we did come across some patches of snow that Hughie found quite invigorating.
Super Dog! by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking back to Lamachan Hill by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Loch Trool Inversion by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Rejoining the main path by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Soon enough following a boggy trudge we re-joined the main path by the gate. We did notice a few people coming up via the usual route but as the diversion wasn’t too bad we returned the same way rather than risk whatever lay in the forest.
By now an inversion had formed over Loch Trool as well as the huge inversion to the South and we enjoyed both these on the simple ascent up the fine minor top of Benyellary.
Merrick from Benyellary by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Galloway Forrest by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The views over the wild interior of the Galloway forest were superb as was the prospect of Arran and Ailsa Craig but we didn't linger for too long as our main aim of Merrick was calling to the North.
A simple enough walk along the ridge (I thought it was very reminiscent of High Street and the straights of Riggindale) took us to Merrick’s summit. The views were superb in all directions with the snowy tops of the Lake District clearly visible around 70 miles away.
Grace on Merrick Summit by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
View West from Merrick by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking East from Merrick by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The Lake District from Merrick by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (Click on pic for larger version)
It was fairly chilly on the top so after a quick snack we headed down enjoying the views with the subtly different light as the sun got lower in the sky.
Heading Down by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Lamachan Hill and Benyellary by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (Click on pic for larger version)
View from the Bothy at Culsharg by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
GlenTrool by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Loch Trool from Bruce's Stone by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
All in all it was a fantastically memorable day in wonderful conditions with outstanding scenery, a highly recommended walk.
