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The Merrick is probably the best known and most popular of the Galloway Hills.
This is the highest mountain in South West Scotland and the highest mountain between Blencathra in the Lake District and Ben Lomond, a Munro in the Scottish Highlands.
The Merrick is 843 metres high and is a Corbett.
The route starts at Bruce`s Stone at the head of Loch Trool where there is ample parking. A detailed description of the walk can be found here – Merrick from Loch Trool
There is a good path from car park to the summit from which there is a panoramic view which includes much of the Galloway Forest, Ailsa Craig, The Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. The path to the summit crosses over the top of Ben Yellary which along with The Merrick form two of the five knuckles of the Range of the Awful Hand. Apart from The Merrick and Ben Yellary, the other three mountains completing this strangely named range in the Galloway Fills are Kirriereoch Hill, Tarfessock and Shalloch on Minnoch which is also a Corbett.
At least 4-5 hours is required and the walk involves 875 metres of ascent so a good level of fitness is required. As the weather can change quickly ample clothing should be carried together with navigational equipment.
Glentrool Visitor Centre is a few miles from the car park and the newly refurbished centre has a cafe and shop.
While you are at the head of the glen, it is well worth checking out the view of Loch Trool from Bruces Stone which is walk of just a minute or two from the car par
Photo Credits – Leeming & Paterson / Destinati0n Dumfries & Galloway
