Bruce's Stone Memorial – Benyellary Summit loop from Loch Trool

Hiking trails & Routes

Bruce's Stone Memorial – Benyellary Summit loop from Loch Trool

Moderate

4.4

(12)

hikers

Bruce's Stone Memorial – Benyellary Summit loop from Loch Trool

03:25

9.08km

600m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

214 m

Bruce's Stone Memorial

Highlight • Monument

Bruce's Stone commemorates Robert The Bruce and was unveiled 05/06/1929. The stone reads 'In loyal remembrance of Robert The Bruce King of Scots whose victory in this Glen over an English force in March 1307 opened the campaign of independence which he brought to a decisive close at Bannockburn on 24th June 1314.' The stone overlooks Loch Trool in the Galloway Forest Park.

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337 m

Start of the Merrick Trail

Highlight • Summit

This point marks the start of the Merrick Trail, a short walking trail to the summit of Merrick (the highest Donald in lowland Scotland). This trail weaves up Merrick via Benyellary from the Upper Bruce's Stone car park in Glen Trool.

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765 m

Wild Swimming Spot on the River Cree

Highlight • Natural

when the water level is fine it's lovely place for a dip and cooling off, sadly it is too smal for a swim. lower down the path there may be a better spot but I like slightly hidden spots so not everyone had to see me

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2.17 km

Culsharg Bothy

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Culsharg is a non-MBA bothy that sits on the Merrick Trail in the Galloway Forest Park. It's quite close to the road so probably a busy bothy, we didn't have time to stop and explore inside unfortunately.

Tip by

3.12 km

Montane–Forest Zone Boundary Marker

Highlight • Monument

4.50 km

Benyellary Summit

Highlight • Summit

In some ways, this mountain is just 'on the way' up to Merrick but it deserves a Highlight in its own right! There are an abundance of lochs and lochans to spot from the summit of Benyellary which I absolutely love. Definitely take the time to pause here when you're hiking up Merrick.

Tip by

9.08 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.89 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

8.95 km

< 100 m