Ground Conditions: End of September and well into autumn. It has been a very hot summer, with serious fires in the Cairngorms centered around the area of Bynach More. Now, after some rain the ground is not as dry and there have been reports of the rivers being hard to cross. [September 2026]

Ascent of An Socach

An Socach lies to the north wets of the Glen Shee ski development and as such it is easily accessible from the A93. The route here follows a track prior to ascending the hill. descent by the same route.

Park at the side of the A93 around the small wood beside the bridge. The track, that is followed, goes to Baddoch.

Cross the bridge and follow the track down the valley under An Socach. At around 3km there is a significant stream on the right, west, side. Cross the stream and then ascend the ridge to Socach Mor. From here contine more steeply up to the main summit ridge of An Socach at .938. Now follow the summit ridge for 2km to the true summit. this ridge is quite flat save for the small descent and ascent to and from a small bealach. (7.5kms. 570m. 3hrs. 20min.)

For the descent follow the main ridge back to the b=small bealach. It is then possible to descend directly to the valley. Meet the track and follow this all te way back to the A93. (8.5kms. 00m. 2hrs. 30min.)

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