The Cache
The Grey Man of Merrick is an extraordinary rock feature that can be found on the South Eastern side of the Merrick mountain, located in the Galloway Forest Park.
Grey Man of Merrick
The Grey Man of Merrick is in fact what is known in Geological terms as a mimetolith.
A mimetolith is a natural topographic feature, rock outcrop, rock specimen, mineral specimen, or loose stone the shape of which resembles something else, in this case the face of a man.
A few other mimetoliths that are well known are -
'Germans Head' located in the Highlands, Scotland
'Elephant Rock' located on Hestan Island, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
'The Sleeping Giant' a plump face and body profile landscape that can be viewed along the northern edge of the Helena Valley, Montana.
This one is just out of this world 'The Face of Mars'
The Task
To claim this cache, you will have to walk to the Grey Man of Merrick (4 - 6 hours round trip depending on fitness level) and take a picture with yourself, GPS (or at least your GPS) and the Grey Man from the Eastern side of the rock feature. As can be seen above.
Due to Geocaching.com and Earthcache.org now requiring that the finder has to prove that they have learnt something you will also have to answer the following question - Make a simple estimate of the size of the Grey Man (from the top of his brow to the tip of his beard??) and email me with the answer. Do not put your answer on your log.
If you don't have a camera, then you will also have to answer this question to prove you visited the site. - The Grey Mans beard is made up of several pieces, how many pieces make up the beard?
Please DO NOT post any pictures from the front of the face, showing the pieces, as I will have to delete your picture without warning.
Please ensure that you meet the guidelines for logging your find. If you are unsure then email me, so that I can answer your question before you leave.
Due to people not bothering to provide proof of their visit and myself having to chase them up, I will also require you to prove that you have visited the cache at the same time as you make your find log. Failure to follow these simple steps will result in your log being deleted within 24 hours of it being posted. You will of course be welcome to re-log the cache.
As long as you have met the above requirements for your find, I am happy for you to log this cache without a reply from myself.
Directions
Parking can be found at N55 05.585 W004 29.060 which is North of Loch Trool
Here are a couple of suggested route maps, The Loch route will take about 4 - 6 hours to complete and the Merrick route will take about 5 - 8 hours to complete. The Merrick mountain is the highest mountain in Southern Scotland, well worth taking this route, just to say you have been on top of it, and you can bag the trig point as well.
Please consider leaving a Route Card Notification with the Galloway Mountain Rescue, it may save your life?.
Despite their modest height, walking and climbing in the Scottish mountains may be made treacherous by their latitude and exposure to Atlantic weather systems. Even in summer, conditions can be atrocious; thick fog, strong winds, driving rain and freezing summit temperatures are commonplace.
Hazards you may encounter include:
Moorland Terrain, few distinct landmarks, Navigation Difficult.
Several crags on route.
Boggy areas.
River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Temperature decreases by 1 degree C for every 150m of ascent.
You are responsible for your own safety
Are you fit enough to complete your chosen walk in the available time?
Know where you are going on the walk and follow the route on your map.
If in a Group know how many are in your party and stay together, never split up.
Ensure you have enough food plus emergency rations Carry a map & compass, survival bag, torch, whistle and small first aid kit. Know how to use them.
In severe winter conditions you must carry an ice axe. You are also recommended to carry crampons.
Learn how to use your equipment
Cold temperatures will reduce the life of your batteries