The Merrick

There was an excellent turn out for today's Craggy adventure on the Merrick of 14 humans and 3 dugs.  It wasn't a day for our favoured route round the five lochs as rain was forecast to come in anytime between midday and 3pm.  

As it was a big group the mountain goats of Gail and Barry went off first while the rest of us sauntered up from the starting point a Bruce's Stone.  There's been some tree felling of the lower section since our last visit which certainly had me a bit disorientated as we headed up.  

Before long we were clear of the treeline and that was when the wind kicked in.  So much for the heatwave the weather bods were talking about.  No evidence of any heatwave here!!

There was no messing about today as it was a bit of a battle to keep upright at the summit and not much in the way of views. 

So with various speeds being taken on the descent some managed to make it back before the rain started while the true saunterers at the back got a wee bit wet.

We have often lamented the lack of post walk socialising venues when doing hills in the Galloways but that issue has now been resolved.  I wanted to try and get to see some of the rugby (though I do really wonder why I bother 😢).  Steve had done his research and established that the Kirkmichael Arms might just fit the bill.  And it certainly did.  Not only did it have the rugby on, it did excellent coffees, had a local real ale on draft and the locals were really welcoming offering us free pies.  I think we'll be back there again.

Thanks Steve M, Alan L, Giovani, Fiona, Megan, Skye, Marla, Kada, Archie, Karen, Lottie, Susan, Anna, John, Gail and Barry for your lovely company today.