The Merrick Circle
- 7stanes Ae Forest
- 7stanes Dalbeattie
- 7stanes Kirroughtree
- 7stanes Mabie
- Carrick Forest
- Clatteringshaws Loch
- Drumlanrig
- Drumlanrig Castle to St Johns Town of Dalry
- Glentrool and Clatteringshaws Loch
- Lochinvar Circular
- Lowther Hills and the River Clyde
- Lowther Hills Circular
- Newton Stewart to the Isle of Whithorn
- Stranraer to Dunbar
- Stranraer to Newton Stewart
- The Merrick Circle
Explore the Merrick Circle, set within the beautiful Galloway Forest Park. Mostly on forest dirt road, this is a long route with a mile long section where you will need to walk.
Key route details
Main Region: South of Scotland
Distance: 21 miles
Difficulty: Moderate route
Type of Ride: Mountain Biking
Surface: Tarmac
Environment: Rural
Start Point: Glen Trool
End Point: Loch Doon
Route Description
Section 1
Explore a long circular route in Galloway Forest Park. Start at the Forest Visitor Centre in Glen Trool. Continue up Glen Trool, crossing a little bridge near a waterfall until the track drops steeply again to loch level. Go over a bridge and enter oak woods.
After Loch Dee there is a further climb then an increasingly rapid descent. Soon you will find yourself on a forest road that takes you deeper and deeper into the forest, there's a fine sense of remoteness to it, and occasional views of the Silver Flowe, now a nature reserve.
Going north, Loch Doon comes in to view, turn left over a bridge then turn left at the next junction again. Possibly you might want to turn right to visit the cafe and craft shop (bike hire) or visit Loch Doon Castle.
It is worth noting this section is hilly and is not recommended in winter or in prolonged wet weather.
Section 2
The next section is marked with mountain bike signs, you should follow these. Where the mountain bike route signs offer you a choice of a left or a right turning, turn left. The first section is part of a forest drive and there may be the odd car. There are views of the lochs together with some ups and downs, overall a gentle climb.
You cross a public road soon after Loch Bradan to continue west still following the signs. When you meet the second public road, join it turning left. The mountain bike signs continue east after this, along another forest road to the village of Barr.
Section 3
This section begins with a steep climb but after that it is mainly downhill so it should be reasonably fast. Three miles before Glentrool Village turn left at the mountain bike marker post that signs the final part of the route. Follow the markers through the forest to Glen Trool visitor centre.
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