The Merrick by the non tourist route

Hill: Merrick
Category: Corbett
Height: 843m
A brief blog for a short(ish) walk. I wanted a leg stretcher before the Fort William trip so returned to the Awful Hand and walked the Merrick by a non tourist route.
I turned in at Kirriereoch and went up the estate track to just past the reservoir. I had hoped to drive further but a padlocked gate said no. This meant an additional 30 minutes each way walking on the stony stuff, not good on the light boots. As I got ready a cuckoo called, nice start.

Stony track target in view

A few turning options, map out, some show some don’t, but I made it to the road end that I wanted. 

Head up tree line

I had been tempted to cut in over the deforestation. Glad I didn’t as a ‘relatively’ flattened area went up alongside the remaining trees.
Now an hour of Galloway terrain at its best. Plenty of tussocky ground to roll the walking. Peat hags and sphagnum moss beds to get you wet and muddy (glad it had been a dry spell). The constant smell of smoke as selective burning had been taking place recently.

Way ahead from Kirriemore Hill

A clamber up to the first viewpoint at Kirriemore Hill. Just pick your route via the deer and sheep lines and the odd quad bike track, all disappear quickly.

You can see the difference between moor and good walking, crags easily avioded

From here, on this clear day, it is a straightforward walk which you can see ahead clearly.  However, if weather was poor great care required as the crags of Black Gairy on your left are dangerously steep. There is a stone dyke to stop you but it is broken in places.

Kirriereoch Hill

Views of Kirriereoch Hill on your left but did not spot anyone on it. Despite the forecast saying the warmest day of the week it was getting rather cold up here so extra gear on.

Panorama Merrick top looks a lot further than reality

The going is now a lot better, short grass and figures spotted on The Merrick. A pleasant plateau stroll to the top.

Deforestation 1, Knockdolian in distance

A circuit over to Kirriereoch is an option but with the deforestation it could be a long walk back to the car so back the same route.

Deforestation 2 bottom of Kirriereoch

Three excellent close encounters on the walk. as I breached a hummock at Kirriemore Hill a small herd of seven red deer hinds were within yards, a short stare down and off they went.
On the way down a quick flash of colour made me look up from bog avoiding, a bright orange/red fox ran across my path and jumped into the trees. 
Finally on the long walk out a roe deer stag came running down the track towards me. It looked big but as soon as it saw me, brakes on, a quick look and into the trees to be seen no more.
Exercise complete now for the big week ahead.

Wildlife: Red deer, Roe deer, Fox, Skylark, Meadow Pipit (plus nest 4 eggs), Cuckoo, House Martin, Buzzard,
Time: 4.15
Ascent: 776m
Distance: 15.1k