The Merrick from Bruce's Stone
Glasgow
The Merrick from Bruce's Stone is a dog friendly mountain walk to the highest summit in southern Scotland at 843m. The route starts from the car park at the end of Glen Trool, passes Bruce's Stone and climbs steadily through forest before emerging onto open hillside for the long ascent via Benyellary to the summit, with views across the Galloway Hills, the Solway Firth and on clear days to the Lake District, Arran and Ireland.
Dogs with good hill fitness will enjoy this walk, with complete freedom on the open mountain. There is no livestock on the upper slopes and the terrain is wild and remote. The path is boggy near the summit plateau and the ascent is sustained, so this walk suits experienced hill dogs rather than couch potatoes. Parking is at Bruce's Stone car park at the end of the public road up Glen Trool. There are no facilities at the car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 13.4 km (8.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 5 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- None at car park; nearest facilities in Newton Stewart.
- Parking
- Car park near Bruce's Stone at the end of the public road up Glen Trool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Merrick from Bruce's Stone dog friendly?
The Merrick from Bruce's Stone is rated 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It's a great choice for dogs that are fit and comfortable on rough, wild terrain, though the sustained ascent and boggy conditions near the summit plateau make it better suited to experienced hill dogs than casual walkers.
Can dogs be off lead at The Merrick from Bruce's Stone?
Dogs can enjoy complete freedom off lead on the open mountain, and there is no livestock on the upper slopes to worry about. The route does pass through forest in the lower section, so it's worth keeping that in mind as you leave the car park and head up through the trees.
What should I know before visiting The Merrick from Bruce's Stone with my dog?
This is a serious mountain walk to the highest summit in southern Scotland at 843m, so your dog will need good hill fitness to tackle the long, sustained ascent. The path becomes boggy near the summit plateau and the terrain is remote, so come prepared with plenty of water for your dog. There are no facilities at Bruce's Stone car park, and the nearest amenities are back in Newton Stewart.
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