Walk 2623 - printer friendly version

Merrick from Glen Trool Walk

Author - David Neale

Length - 8.0 miles / 13 km

Ascent - 2600 feet / 788 metres

Grade - mod/hard

Start - OS grid reference NX415804
Lat 55.092632 + Long -4.4852375
Postcode DG8 6SU (approx. location only)

Despite being the highest summit in the Southern Uplands of Scotland, an ascent of Merrick is not difficult. The start is at the large car park (grid ref. NX415804) above Loch Trool which provides "water interest" in a glen often compared with the Trossachs.

The route to Merrick is well signposted and goes off north opposite Bruce's stone. The next few miles provide some of the finest scenery to be enjoyed in the Southern Uplands although it must be stressed that it is not highland in character having its own qualities and charm.

The initial section of the route follows a good path with the Buchan Burn on your right. There are good retrospective views back across the Glen as you gradually gain height. After negotiating a stile, take care to follow the higher route. This leads through the forest to reach the ruined cottage at Culsharg. From here a path follows the right hand side of a dyke by the burn. This leads without problem to the summit of Benyellary, which is marked by a cairn.

The continuation takes you onto Merrick across a broad col known as the "Neive of the Spit". Underfoot the ground is grassy and despite appearances the summit of Merrick with its large cairn is soon reached. In poor visibility do check on the map as there is some steep ground between the two summits and this needs to be avoided.

Merrick's summit offers a superb view resulting from its height and location. The return route follows that used for the ascent although there are other options that can be devised if you are a competent map reader.

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