An Socach

An Socach is a flat-topped hill between upper Glen Ey and the Baddoch Burn. It has two summits of almost equal height separated by a broad level ridge 2 kilometres long. The hill rises steeply above Glen Ey and the view up this glen to its northern spur Creag an Fhuathais is very impressive. On its east side, An Socach is hidden from the A93 road at the Glenshee Ski Centre by Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell, but it is from that direction that the ascent is most easily made. Two routes from the A93 are possible.

The shorter one starts from the Ski Centre, crossing the col between The Cairnwell and Carn Aosda and descending past Loch Vrotachan to the Baddoch Burn. Once across the burn, climb easily to the lowest point of the summit ridge of An Socach and go west along the broad stony crest to the top.

A longer but more pleasant route, avoiding the eyesores of the Ski Centre, starts from the point further north on the A93 road where the Baddoch Burn joins the Clunie Water. Go up the track to Baddoch farm and continue along the path beside the burn for about 2 kilometres before climbing the north-east ridge of An Socach which leads to its East Top.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)