Donald · Galloway
Merrick
The highest point in the Southern Uplands and the centrepiece of the Galloway hills. Often called 'the highest hill in the South of Scotland', which is technically true and entirely justified by the views.
Quick facts
- Height
- 843m/ 2766ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 730 m
- Time
- 5 hrs
- Difficulty
- 2 / 5
- Grid ref
- NX427855
- Parking
- DG8 6SU
- Nearest city
- Newton Stewart
Standard route
Standard route from Bruce's Stone car park at Glen Trool. Path climbs through forest and onto the open hillside, then up Benyellary and along the ridge to Merrick.
Terrain
Excellent path throughout. Easy navigation in clear weather.
In winter
Galloway gets less snow than the Highlands but the cloud sits low and visibility evaporates fast. The summit ridge is featureless in cloud.
Best time of year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 10m
- Edinburgh3h 55m
OS maps: OS Explorer 318