Merrick Hill Race
Newton Stewart, United Kingdom • 13 Sep 2026
Merrick Hill Race
The event takes place on 13 September 2026 on the Merrick in the Galloway Forest region of southwest Scotland. The route is 8 miles long with approximately 2,900 ft of climb. Merrick lies in the Awful Hand range on the western edge of the Galloway Hills and reaches 2,765 ft, making it the highest mountain in Scotland south of Ben Lomond.
The race starts and finishes at Bruce's Stone, Glentrool. Access is from the A714 road, about 10 miles north of Newton Stewart; turn off at Bargrennan to Glentrool village and follow signs to Bruce's Stone. The course climbs the Fell of Eschoncan, then continues to Bennan Hill, Benyellary and the Merrick summit. Competitors return by the same route, roughly 4 miles each way.
The event is organised by Girvan Harriers and holds a Scottish Athletics permit. It is run under the rules of Scottish Athletics and Scottish Hill Runners. Minimum age is 18. Competitors are responsible for their own safety and must assess their ability and equipment for this risk sport. All runners are required to carry a map, compass, whistle and full body cover; checks are made before the start and non compliant runners will not be allowed to start. A route map is available in the Scottish Hill Runners online calendar.
Online entries close on 10 September 2026; after that entries are accepted on the day at Bruce's Stone. Entry fees until 10 September are £8.00 discounted and £10.00 standard. Total places 50. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.