Walk 89 – The Merrick, Dumfries & Galloway – 8.4 miles

The download/follow button on this post contains an affiliate link from which I make a small commission. More info in the Privacy Policy – linked in footer.ย 

The hike up to the top of the Merrick (843 m / 2765 ft) is a wonderful day out on varied and interesting terrain with lovely views for almost the entire way. It is a fairly long walk in, starting alongside a burn with lovely waterfalls, past Culsharg bothy, through a short section of forest and then onto the open hillside on grassy footpaths. From here it is a pretty gentle ascent to the summit of Bennyellary (719 m / 2358 ft) followed by a fabulous wide ridge walk to the summit of the Merrick.

parking-available-icon  Car park at Bruce’s Stone, Loch Trool (DG8 6SU is nearest postcode). No public transport to start point.

os-logo  Buy the Ordnance Survey map for this area


WALK REPORT: 25th September 2016

It’s my 35th birthday!! What else would I choose to do on this sunny weekend afternoon but go on a hillwalk?! Even better – childcare had been arranged and hubby was coming too ๐Ÿ™‚

We had arranged to meet up with Neil, David & Andy at the car park beside Bruce’s Stone however on approach we saw them walking along towards us to let us know that a fallen tree was blocking the road. Unfortunately this situation meant that our 8 mile hillwalk was starting to look more like a 12 mile one!

When we reached the tree we met a group who had stayed in Culsharg Bothy the previous night during a storm and were now unable to get their cars past the tree. They assured us that help was on it’s way and so we moved quickly on.

merrick3
Bruce’s Stone
merrick4
View down to Loch Trool
merrick5
Information board marking the start of the trail
merrick9
Culsharg Bothy

The first part takes you uphill alongside a lovely burn and it was in full flow today making for some impressive waterfalls!

Certain members of our party were suffering the after effects of a night on the booze  and after the steep forest section one such group member decided not to continue (a painful leg was the culprit, not the hangover mind you!) It was the right decision for him but such a shame as the second half of the walk was definitely the most interesting and much easier going. Not to mention the stunning views over Loch Enoch, Loch Neldricken and Loch Valley which accompany you for much of the higher sections.

merrick6
Waterfalls in the burn
merrick24
The forest section is short but pretty steep. If you step away fromย the main footpathย the forest is simply beautiful and a haven for wildlife. We found lots of bright red mushrooms ๐Ÿ™‚

My absolute favourite part was the ridge walk between Bennyellary and Merrick. Super wide and grassy, flat and high, easy-peasy walking and amazing views! What’s not to love!? By this point we had lost our second walking companion: he had completed this hike many times before so called it a day atop Bennyellary.

merrick17
View from the top of Bennyellary

After a sunny and surprisingly warm day, we were met with strong winds and low cloud just as we were approaching the summit of the Merrick. Typical!  No views, however we were able to test out the shelter around the trig point and I am delighted to report that it is extremely effective at blocking out even gale force winds ๐Ÿ˜‰ What started as a day for a t-shirt ended with fleece, wooly hat and gloves. Having said that, the cloud didn’t stay for long and sure enough by the time we were back down from the top and away out the wind the cloud had cleared away and remained away for the rest of the day….. Just our luck!

merrick20
I was super grateful for this windbreak at the top! It’s amazing how such a simple structure can bring such relief, and make it possible to take the time to enjoy a bite to eatย in a place where otherwise you would struggle to stand ๐Ÿ™‚
merrick19
Looking back over to the ridge between Bennyellary and Merrick, the sun’s rays shining down from behind the thick band of cloud which was soon to descend upon us!
merrick26

The highlight of the day was on the way back down when Neil disappeared into the bothy, asking my husband and I to wait outside…. We wondered what on earth he was doing, plus it was raining and we were in a bit of a rush to get back home to free our babysitter of their duties. Our confusion and slight annoyance disappeared  when he nodded for us to come inside, revealing a tray of Mr Kipling French Fancies complete with candles which he had carried all the way! So very thoughtful and appreciated. He even sang me “Happy Birthday” as I blew out my candles. Something to remember for years to come ๐Ÿ™‚

merrick23
Birthday cake(s) in the Bothy!

Share This Post

Support the continued creation of free, high quality content on this website by becoming a Patron or by making a one-off donation.