NX4285 : North Face of the Merrick

Merrick

843m Elevation
705m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NX4285 : North Face of the Merrick

G Laird Photo source

Explore routes near Merrick

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Goatfell from Cladach

10 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Tourist Route (Loch Trool Route)

This classic route starts at Loch Trool and takes the well-defined path through the forest before climbing up the gentle slopes to Benyellary. From there, the Merrick’s summit is reached via the Neive of the Spit, offering expansive views of the Galloway Hills and beyond. The route is straightforward but rewarding, suitable for experienced walkers and beginners with good fitness.

14.5 km ~5.5 hours Moderate

Glen Trool Circular Route

A slightly longer and more challenging circular route starting from Glen Trool. This path ascends Merrick via Benyellary and the Neive of the Spit, before descending along the Rig of Loch Enoch. Walkers will pass beautiful Loch Enoch and enjoy a variety of terrains, from forest tracks to open moorland.

18 km ~7 hours Challenging

Merrick via Loch Valley and Loch Neldricken

This less-traveled route approaches Merrick from the north via Loch Valley and Loch Neldricken. It involves some pathless sections and boggy terrain, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter and more adventurous ascent. The route provides stunning views of the lochs and surrounding Galloway Hills.

16 km ~6.5 hours Strenuous

The Long Circular from Bruce’s Stone

Starting and finishing at Bruce’s Stone, this extended loop takes you up Merrick while incorporating other highlights of the Galloway Forest Park, such as Loch Valley and the Rig of the Jarkness. This route is a full-day outing but rewards walkers with some of the best scenery in southern Scotland.

22 km ~8.5 hours Very Challenging

Shortened Merrick Ascent (Family-Friendly Option)

A shortened version of the tourist route, this walk starts at a higher elevation near Loch Trool’s car park and focuses on reaching the summit of Merrick via Benyellary. It’s a great option for families or those with limited time, while still offering a rewarding summit experience.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm Donald High Hills of Britain Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

843m

2,766 ft

Prominence

705m

Coordinates

55.1393, -4.4684

NX427855

OS Map

77

Explorer: 318

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a large stone cairn and offers a trig point for geocachers and summit baggers alike.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky grassy with some sections of heather and boulders near the top.

Merrick is primarily composed of granite, which provides a rugged and rocky terrain typical of the Southern Uplands. The summit features glacial landforms, showing the influences of historical ice ages.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the full sweep of the Galloway Forest Park, the Solway Firth and on clear days, the Lake District and the mountains of Cumbria.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Merrick' is derived from the Gaelic term for 'the tree' - 'Meara' - though its exact origins have been debated.

Historical Significance

Merrick is significant within Scottish hillwalking culture, often regarded as a rite of passage for hikers looking to 'bag' a Corbett.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Glen Trool car park (NX 427 855) has ample space and is well-marked for visitor access.

Public Transport

Buses to the nearby village of New Galloway are available, though further travel to the car park might require a taxi.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the mountain, but nearby New Galloway offers local cafes, shops, and toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of changing weather conditions, particularly in winter when snow and ice can create treacherous paths. Also, beware of sudden drops on some ridges.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Merrick?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Merrick through the maps

Are there other walkers around Merrick?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Merrick search or of course create your own walk for Merrick

Can I organise a walk to Merrick?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Merrick.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Merrick?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Merrick here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Merrick location map

Grid reference: NX427855

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Cairnsmore of Carsphairn

797m

Ailsa Craig

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Goatfell [Goat Fell]

875m

Snaefell

621m

Cir Mhor

798m
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