An Socach

Hill, Mountain in Inverness-shire

Scotland

An Socach

An Socach is a prominent hill located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is part of the Grampian Mountains and stands at an elevation of 1,066 meters (3,497 feet). The hill is situated in the Cairngorms National Park, an area renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.

An Socach offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the nearby Munros of the Cairngorms, such as Ben Macdui and Cairn Gorm. On a clear day, it is possible to see as far as the Moray Firth and the North Sea to the north, and the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands to the south.

The ascent of An Socach can be challenging at times, with steep and rocky terrain, but the reward is well worth the effort. The hill is popular among hikers and mountaineers, who often combine it with climbs of other nearby peaks. There are various routes to reach the summit, each offering a different level of difficulty and scenery.

The area surrounding An Socach is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species. It is home to several species of birds, including ptarmigan and golden eagles, as well as mammals like red deer and mountain hares. The hillside is adorned with heather and wildflowers in the summer months, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.

Overall, An Socach is a stunning natural landmark in Inverness-shire, offering both a challenging adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and a peaceful retreat for those seeking tranquility in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

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An Socach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.257573/-5.1712673 or Grid Reference NH0822. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Upper Glen Affric near Alltbeithe Youth Hostel

A view from a laborious climb of An Socach which involved step cutting in hard snow and wading deep soft!

Julian Paren

Coire na Coiche

Stob Coire na Cioche is the high point of the view. The view was taken on a laborious climb of An Sochach. With step cutting and wading through deep soft snow it took all day just to climb the one hill from Alltbeithe Youth Hostel.

Julian Paren

On a climb of An Socach

This was hard work. Deep soft snow. The exact location of the image is lost but it was taken on a climb of An Socach.

Julian Paren

Looking to An Socath

From just above the Bealach Coire Ghaidheil looking southwest to the nearby Munro of An Socath and the distant hills on the north side of Glen Shiel.

Adam Ward

Path, Coire GhÃ idheil

The path runs up the eastern side of Coire Ghàidheil. The steeper sections have been eroded by running water after the drainage culverts became blocked with bog vegetation. It is still an easy way to the ridge.

Richard Webb

Path, Bealach Coire GhÃ idheil

A path, water worn in places crosses the ridge between Glen Cannich and Glen Affric.

Richard Webb

Coire GhÃ idheil

The flat floor of the corrie, a hanging valley above Glen Affric.

Richard Webb

Bealach Coire GhÃ idheil

A path crosses the ridge between what was Loch Lungard, now the hydro Loch Mullardoch and spared Glen Affric. The weather was dry despite the darkness over Glen Affric, but the wind was ferocious.

Richard Webb

Bealach Coire GhÃ idheil

Looking along the ridge towards Màm Sodhail

Richard Webb

Bealach Coire GhÃ idheil

A pass between upper Glen Cannich and Glen Affric. It is more widely used as a route onto Màm Sodhail or An Socach.

Richard Webb

Under An Socach

View up Gleann a' Choilich towards Sgùrr nan Ceathramhnan. An Socah on the left.

Richard Webb

Allt na Faing and Mullach Fraoch-choire

Looking down the usual ascent route of Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan, a fine pony path above Alltbeithe. The big steep hill opposite is Mullach Fraoch-choire which I crossed the previous day. Taken on the way to Sgùrr Gaorsaic via Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan.

Richard Webb

Allt na Faing and Glen Affric

View down to the buildings at Alltbeithe, an iron lodge and now youth hostel from the fine path up to the east ridge of Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan.

Richard Webb

Stob Choire na Cloiche

A top of Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan above Alltbeithe.

Richard Webb

Carnach MÃ²r

A broken crag on the north side of Glen Affric. There is also a new native tree plantation here, the fenced enclosure has made it on to the Ordnance Survey map, but not the tree symbols.

Richard Webb

An Socach

The north east ridge of An Socach leading to a minor 906m top (in the next square). Carn Eige and Màm Sodhail can be seen in the distance.

Callum Black

Stob coire na Cloiche from low on Ceathreamhnan north east ridge

I've submitted this supplemental to help walkers considering the short-cut across Coire nan Dearcag from Mullach na Dheiragain to the bealach at the top of Coire na Cloiche. On the map,it looks difficult, but we found it easier than expected, as shown in this photograph. We cut across the rocky ground to the left of the lochans and took a slanting line up leftwards between rock outcrops to the bealach which can be seen above a deep gully.

Marion Boyle