Ballater Walking Festival - An Socach From Glen Clunie - Strong Walk - Bridge Street

AN SOCACH from GLEN CLUNIE
Strong Walk - MUNRO

Depart from Green Hut Ballater at 8:30am by bus. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Approximate Distance 17km
Approximate Ascent 650m
Approximate Walking Time 6-7 hours
Landranger Map no. - 43

DESCRIPTION
Tucked into the quiet southern reaches of the Cairngorms, An Socach (944m) offers one of those walks that feels grander than its modest statistics suggest. Starting from the A93 at Baddoch, a few miles south of Braemar, this route combines a gentle glen approach with a superb ridge walk that delivers a true sense of Highland remoteness. From the roadside, the track into Glen Baddoch will lead us steadily alongside the burn, through rolling moorland where red deer are often seen grazing, and the occasional golden eagle may circle above. The walk begins easily on an estate track, gradually revealing the wild heart of the Cairngorms ahead. After crossing the Allt Coire Fhearneasg, a clear path climbs the grassy shoulder of An Socach which later broadens into a high open plateau. The summit ridge is long, flat, and deeply satisfying to walk a rare Highland balcony offering panoramic views over the Glen Ey hills, the rugged corries of Beinn Iutharn Mhor, and the Mounth hills rolling eastwards toward the Angus glens. The descent will follow the Allt Boruiche, on rough tracks and heather down to the Baddoch Glen. Among the heather and rough grasses, mountain hares are plentiful in the area. A gentle walk along the glen will return us to the pick up point.

TERRAIN
Good paths, rough in places, with steep sections. A few pathless areas on the descent. Walking poles are recommended.