3,022 ft · Western Highlands, Scotland
An Socach
An Socach is a 3,022 ft peak in the Western Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Bealach Coire Ghaidheil: 18 mi, 3,120 ft of gain, Class 2.
An Socach at a glance
- Elevation3,022 ft921 m
- RouteBealach Coire GhaidheilClass 2
- Distance18 mi3,120 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeWestern HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Bealach Coire Ghaidheil
From Cannich on the A831, follow the minor road west to the end of Glen Affric. Start from the River Affric car park (paid parking) and walk the Affric Kintail Way track along the south side of Loch Affric and up the glen to the bridge over the Allt Coire Ghaidheil. A stalkers' path climbs north to the Bealach Coire Ghaidheil, and a short Class 2 ridge leads west to the summit. Usually combined with Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan and Mullach na Dheiragain from the Alltbeithe youth hostel. As a single day it is long, so many walkers cycle the track. Streams can flood after rain, and midges are fierce in summer.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Stream crossing
- Boggy terrain
- Low visibility
Quests with An Socach
MunrosPeaks near An Socach
Frequently asked questions
How tall is An Socach?
An Socach is 3,022 feet (921 m) tall. It is in the Western Highlands, Scotland.
How does An Socach rank among the Munros?
At 3,022 feet, An Socach is the 269th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike An Socach?
The Bealach Coire Ghaidheil is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 18 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike An Socach?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Bealach Coire Ghaidheil, covering 18 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike An Socach?
The Bealach Coire Ghaidheil needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 18 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike An Socach?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb An Socach with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list