An Socach, Mountain summit in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
An Socach is a mountain rising to 944 meters with a curved ridge that extends for about three kilometers across the Highland landscape. The slopes on both sides are steep and rocky, giving the whole formation a distinctive sharp profile.
The summit gained recognition as a Munro because it exceeds 944 meters in height, a classification that defines many climbing goals in Scotland. This formal status became important for establishing its role in Highland mountaineering traditions.
The mountain takes its name from Gaelic, meaning 'the snout' and referring to how its ridge juts forward across the landscape. Locals and visitors alike recognize this descriptive naming tradition throughout the Scottish Highlands.
Hikers can reach the summit using two main routes: one from Glen Ey to the north or another from Glenshee Ski Centre to the east. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Highlands, so proper preparation and appropriate gear are essential for either approach.
The western end of the summit holds a substantial stone shelter cairn, placed where many hikers might not expect it based on certain maps. This detail often surprises visitors who assume the highest point would be the main stopping point.
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