Munro · Cairngorms
An Socach
An Socach (944m) — 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
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 830 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NO079799
- Parking
- NO137818
- Nearest city
- Perth
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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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. Download maps before the drive up the A93.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:20
- Civil dusk
- 23:06
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 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?
- An Socach is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 16km with 830m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Baddoch farm access track is firm landrover surface.
- Where do I park for An Socach?
- Standard parking is at NO137818 near Perth. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb An Socach?
- The standard good-weather months for An Socach are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up An Socach?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on An Socach?
- No signal in Glen Ey. Spittal of Glenshee has intermittent coverage. Download maps before the 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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