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The Merrick Climb

Glentrool to
Glentrool

Walk No: Glenkens 11

Start: Glentrool Car park near Bruce's Stone. GR NX 415805.

Finish: Glentrool Car park near Bruce's Stone. GR NX 415805.

Nearest Town: Glentrool Village

Notes: Home to South Scotland's highest mountain - the magnificent Merrick. Climb the Merrick and stand on top of Galloway and enjoy views of lonely hill lochs like Enoch and Neldricken or gaze down along ridges with names like Rig of the Gloon.

Distance: 8 miles

Height Gain: 780 feet

Approx. Time: 4.5hours

Relevant Map:
Difficulty: Strenuous

Terrain: Distinct path boggy in places.

Toilets: Glentrool Visitor Centre

Refreshments: Glentrool Visitor Centre

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Route Description

1. Leave the car park and follow the signed route off L. The made path is deceptive as it leads to a rocky route nearer the W banks of the Buchan Burn, with fine views of its cataracts. This is followed for a short distance on the R. A stile leads over a fence into the forest where duckboards avoid wet peaty areas. A clearing reveals the ruins of Culsharg and just beyond a forest track is crossed.
2. The path continues at a waymark uphill through coniferous trees before exiting onto open grassy slopes. Continue N upwards, through a gate in a fence. Monotonous grass slopes lead to a stone dyke which strikes towards the large summit cairn of Benyellary.
3. Keep the dyke on the L as you descend towards a sweeping ridge beyond which the path swings R across the broad southern shoulder of Merrick. A trig pillar marks the summit
4. To return reverse the outward route.