An Socach (Affric)

An Socach, at 921 metres, is an exceptionally remote Munro at the head of Glen Affric, effectively the eastern termination of Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan's long east ridge and almost always climbed together with that peak given the shared, demanding approach.

The route starts, like its larger neighbour, from Alltbeithe — Britain's remotest youth hostel, reached only on foot from Glen Affric, Morvich, or the Cluanie Inn, with an overnight stay essential for most. From the hostel, the path climbs east of a stream to the col at 843 metres shared with Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan; from here, An Socach's summit is a comparatively short final climb of around 80 metres via the west ridge. An alternative south-south-east ridge rises directly out of Glen Affric east of Alltbeithe, while a third option uses the Bealach Coire Ghaidheil — one of two major passes crossing the range, connecting upper Glen Affric with the remote western end of Loch Mullardoch — to reach the north-east ridge.

An Socach offers impressive views down into Glen Affric, though it's a considerably less dramatic peak than Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan, appearing almost modest by comparison when viewed alongside the bulk of Càrn Eige and Màm Sodhail dominating the skyline to the east.

The combined round taking in both An Socach and Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan from Alltbeithe forms a long day even before accounting for the approach and return to any road end — for the truly committed with mountain bikes, a demanding single-day bike-and-hike from Glen Elchaig is possible, covering upwards of 28 kilometres of walking alone with over 2,000 metres of ascent.

Given the remoteness, this Munro is rarely attempted in isolation — most walkers treat it as an add-on to Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan, and the same overnight planning, navigation skills, and self-sufficiency apply.

There is no vehicle access to Alltbeithe; the nearest road ends are at Glen Affric, Morvich, or the Cluanie Inn, all served by limited Citylink bus routes.