A carefully planned day of hill bagging turned into a day of casual exploring and stumbling (literally in some cases) on some hidden gems. I had originally planned to summit three hills in the Merrick range; Craignaw, Dungeon Hill and Mullwharcher.

The day was a glorious one, the perfect day for hillwalking. Cold, sunny and cloudless. I started out from Bruce’s stone car park around 9am, only 2 other cars there. Heading up the forestry commission signposted Gairland burn, the terrain is fairly steep and tussocky (a characteristic consistent with the entire walk). There is a faint path running parallel with the burn which makes the going easier and the walk through the Glen to the first Loch (Loch Valley) is beautiful.

Fording the river by an old sheepfold, the going becomes steeper and craggier, with only sheep paths and instinct to guide you. The ascent to Craignaw is hard going but the reward is a stunning panoramic view over the Galloway hills. I wouldn’t attempt this in low cloud as navigation was difficult in clear weather.



To reach Dungeon hill, a steep descent is needed over rough and sometimes boggy ground before climbing once again. This is a very good leg workout! Whilst not maybe having the drama of Craignaw, the view from Dungeon hill is still beautiful with a good perspective of Corserine and the Rhinns of Kells.

I stopped for lunch here and considered my options; whether to persevere to Mullwharcher or down onto the shores of Loch Enoch before circling back to the car.

With light fading I decided to go to Loch Enoch, feeling I would return another day for Mullwharcher. Loch Enoch didn’t disappoint, it was the highlight of the day. Crystal clear mountain water, stunning backdrop of Merrick, remote and even sandy beaches. I spent a long time ambling along these shores, using all the space of my memory card with the ever changing light and scenery.






Reluctantly I started the return home through tussocks, faint paths and bogs until I linked up with the path alongside Gairland Burn. It was tough going on the return but I was salved by the beautiful and vast scenery of hill and Loch.