An Socach (Braemar)

An Socach, at 921 metres, is a broad, whale-backed Munro south of Braemar in the Glen Ey area, one of three Scottish Munros sharing this name — distinguished from its Affric and Mullardoch namesakes by its position in the eastern Cairngorms, and by many accounts the least distinguished of the three, though the approach through remote country has its own quiet appeal.

The route starts from parking near the Baddoch Burn on the A93 south of Braemar, or alternatively from Inverey via Glen Ey. A track leads up Glen Baddoch before pathless, boggy moorland gives way to the broad grassy slopes of An Socach's northern flank, climbing steadily to a rounded, unremarkable summit marked by a modest cairn — the view is broad and open rather than dramatic, taking in the surrounding rolling hills of the eastern Cairngorms and Glen Ey to the west.

An alternative approach from Glen Ey via Inverey follows a similar pattern to the routes used for Beinn Iutharn Mhòr and Càrn Bhac, crossing remote, largely pathless moorland before the final ascent.

The round trip from either starting point is typically five to seven hours, reflecting the broad, rolling nature of this remote corner of the eastern Highlands.

The pathless, boggy approach demands appropriate footwear and basic navigation awareness, particularly in poor visibility where the broad, featureless slopes could disorientate — this is quiet, remote terrain that rewards self-sufficiency.

Parking near the Baddoch Burn or at Inverey is free; the nearest bus stop is in Braemar.