Munro · Cairngorms
An Socach
An Socach (943m) — the Glenshee version, distinct from the Glen Affric An Socach — is the westernmost of the Glenshee plateau Munros, sitting on the broad upland between Glas Tulaichean and the Glas Maol group. The hill has a long, low summit ridge with two tops; the western (slightly higher) top is the official Munro. Most often climbed alongside Càrn Bhac and Beinn Iutharn Mhòr in a long round, or as a standalone via the Baddoch Burn from Spittal of Glenshee.
Quick facts
- Height
- 942.8m/ 3093ft
- Prominence
- 187 m
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 830 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NO079799
- Parking
- NO137818
- Nearest city
- Perth· 56km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
Glen track 45% · Open moorland 40% · Summit plateau 15%
Park at the small lay-by on the A93 at Cairnwell, just south of the Glenshee ski centre. Take the access track north-east to Baddoch Farm, then continue north up the Baddoch Burn glen to its head. Climb the broad south slopes of An Socach onto the long summit ridge — the west top (the Munro) gives views deep into the Atholl deer forest country. Around 18km return with 830m of ascent.
Terrain
The Baddoch farm access track is firm landrover surface. The Baddoch Burn glen is rough boggy ground. The south slopes of An Socach are broad heathery hillside with no clear path. The summit ridge has a long flat profile with two tops — the west top is the Munro. Navigation along the broad ridge in cloud requires care. The shelter cairn at the summit is a welcome refuge in wind.
In winter
A serious Glenshee plateau winter day. The long flat summit ridge drifts heavily and offers few features for whiteout navigation. The west top can be hard to find in poor visibility. The A93 corridor at the Cairnwell stays gritted. SAIS Southern Cairngorms applies. Phone signal weak above 750m.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 39m
- Edinburgh2h 17m
OS maps: OS Landranger 43
Mobile signal: No signal in Glen Ey. Spittal of Glenshee has intermittent coverage. Save your maps before you drive up the A93.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:56
- Sunset
- 21:45
- Civil dawn
- 04:01
- Civil dusk
- 22:40
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from An Socach.
Around An Socach on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Blair Atholl station
Beinn a Ghlo; Glen Tilt corridor north to the Cairngorms
25km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Pitlochry
Perthshire base — Schiehallion, Beinn a Ghlo, Ben Vrackie
25km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Royal Lochnagar
Balmoral — Queen Victoria's favourite; eastern Cairngorms setting
22km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
An Socach — common questions
- How hard is An Socach?
- We grade An Socach at 4/5, which puts it in challenging territory. The usual route is around 16km with 830m of climbing; allow 5-8 hours. Ground conditions: The Baddoch farm access track is firm landrover surface.
- How much drop does An Socach have?
- The drop is 187m: measured from the summit of An Socach down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for An Socach?
- Park at NO137818. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb An Socach?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on An Socach. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up An Socach?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on An Socach?
- No signal in Glen Ey. Spittal of Glenshee has intermittent coverage. Save your maps before you drive up the A93.
- Is An Socach safe in winter?
- A serious Glenshee plateau winter day. The long flat summit ridge drifts heavily and offers few features for whiteout navigation. The west top can be hard to find in poor visibility. The A93 corridor at the Cairnwell stays gritted. SAIS Southern Cairngorms applies. Phone signal weak above 750m.
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