Carn Cruinn

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Carn Cruinn

Southern slopes of An Socach A view of Loch Vrotachan in the background. — Southern slopes of An Socach Credit: Richard Webb

Carn Cruinn is a prominent hill located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 653 meters (2,142 feet), it is a notable landmark in the region, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The hill is situated in the Cairngorms National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Carn Cruinn is characterized by its gently sloping sides and rocky summit. Its distinctive shape and prominent position make it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The hill is accessible by several well-marked trails, providing a range of difficulty levels for walkers of all abilities.

At the top of Carn Cruinn, visitors are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. On clear days, it is possible to see the Cairngorms mountain range to the south, as well as the fertile farmland and rolling hills of Aberdeenshire. The summit also offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation.

The area surrounding Carn Cruinn is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species inhabiting its slopes. Walkers may encounter indigenous wildlife such as red deer, mountain hares, and a wide array of bird species.

Overall, Carn Cruinn is a remarkable hill that showcases the natural beauty of Aberdeenshire. Its accessibility, stunning views, and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a memorable experience for all who venture to its summit.

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Carn Cruinn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.911901/-3.4925816 or Grid Reference NO0981. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Southern slopes of An Socach

A view of Loch Vrotachan in the background.

Richard Webb

Quartzite strewn across An Socach

An Socach is covered in frost shattered quartzite, often moss covered.

Richard Webb

Summit ridge, An Socach

2km of wide, flat ridge between the two tops. Looking towards the eastern top.

Richard Webb

An Socach (Mar)

There are a few An Socachs in the Highlands, three of them in Munro's Tables. (One is also called Meall a' Chraisg which could reduce confusion). This one is in the rolling hill country at the head of Glen Ey, south of Braemar and like its neighbours has a quartzite cap. The rock is frost shattered giving angular boulder fields, but the walking is easy, this is no Schiehallion or Sgùrr Bàn. The highest point is at the western end, switching the original Munro's tables which had the eastern top as the highest. The hill is often done from the Baddoch Glen, but can also be visited from Glen Ey. Apart from it not being exactly a roadside hill, this is one of the easier munros. This is the ridge to the east of the main top with Loch an Eun in the background.

Richard Webb

Peat pool, Baddoch Glen

Bogs beneath An Socach.

Richard Webb

An Socach

The summit ridge, not far east of the higher west top. There are a few An Socachs in the Highlands, three of them in Munro's Tables. (One is also called Meall a' Chraisg which could reduce confusion). This one is in the rolling hill country at the head of Glen Ey, south of Braemar and like its neighbours has a quartzite cap. The rock is frost shattered giving angular boulder fields, but the walking is easy, this is no Schiehallion or Sgùrr Bàn. The highest point is at the western end, switching the original Munro's tables which had the eastern top as the highest. The hill is often done from the Baddoch Glen, but can also be visited from Glen Ey. Apart from it not being exactly a roadside hill, this is one of the easier munros.

Richard Webb

An Socach summit cairn

A very flat moss and quartzite summit, but the view is very fine. There are a few An Socachs in the Highlands, three of them in Munro's Tables. (One is also called Meall a' Chraisg which could reduce confusion). This one is in the rolling hill country at the head of Glen Ey, south of Braemar and like its neighbours has a quartzite cap. The rock is frost shattered giving angular boulder fields, but the walking is easy, this is no Schiehallion or Sgùrr Bàn. The highest point is at the western end, switching the original Munro's tables which had the eastern top as the highest. The hill is often done from the Baddoch Glen, but can also be visited from Glen Ey. Apart from it not being exactly a roadside hill, this is one of the easier munros.

Richard Webb

Cairns, An Socach

A pair of cairns on the west top of the Mar An Socach. The distant cairn is the summit.

Richard Webb

Allt Boruiche

A burn cuts down below peat covered glacial deposits. A view from An Socach.

Richard Webb

Allt Boruiche

A burn flowing south off An Socach. This is one of the usual routes on or off the hill.

Richard Webb

All terrain vehicle track, An Socach

Descent into the Baddoch Glen. Things get very boggy further down.

Richard Webb

An Socach summit ridge

The final push to the summit of the Munro along the stone covered ridge.

Iain Russell

Cairn on An Socach

One of two cairns on the summit area of the Munro. The app on my phone was happier with the cairn in the background to the left as being the actual summit.

Iain Russell