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After witnessing a very fine rise over Loch Kinord I arrived at the start point for An Socach at 7.40am. Fortunately, the temperature was still at the twelve Celsius mark so still comfortable enough for the first three or so kilometres on the track in. If I could start the ascent in an hour's time I might still avoid the worst of the heat.
I warily eyed the midges crawling across the windscreen and reached for the midge repellent and then the sunscreen. At least if I could put the midges off a bit and mitigate against the moderate uv forecast I could spend less time worrying and more time enjoying.
Needn'r have worried so much about the midges. They did look a bit ominous and numerous from inside the car but I managed to evade them on the track.
Got to the start of the ascent path and made my way up steadily, hoping for a breeze to counter the now intensifying heat. A breeze of sorts did start up and that helped me a lot. If it was just still then I could see me just abandoning the walk, such is my susceptibility to being energy sapped in warm weather. Thankfully, the breeze accompanied me most of the way up.
Made it to the cairn on Socach Mor feeling fairly comfortable and set my sights on the next, steeper, slope before the 938m top. This section of path slowed me down a wee bit. I felt I should take it easy with my various aches and pains and I think this was the sensible thing to do. Easy enough walking, just plenty of loose stones and steepness to test my knees.
Had a rest at the 938m top then wove my way successfully through the stones on the summit ridge and was at the main summit cairn by 10.15am which is good going for me.
Along the summit ridge the breeze had kept up and made for very pleasant walking. Good views of the hills around, particularly of Carn a' Mhaim to Beinn a' Bhuird.
Had a break at the cairn just north of the main summit then headed back down (well, along). Not for the first time this year I was slower on my way down than on the way up. Just cautious about my knees I suppose.
Setting off.
Onto the ascent path after 3km on the track. It is a good path the whole way, though no doubt aided by the dry spell.
Socach Mor cairn with 938m top beyond.
View from cairn.
Approaching steeper ground.
Ascended the steeper ground to the west but I think the narrow path to the east is easier.
Beinn a; Bhuird and Ben Avon.
View north.
View south east to Cairnwell.
Worth looking out for the narrow but good paths to the east and then north of the stonier ground.
Braeriach & co.
At the 938m top with a view west of Glas Tulaichean, Beinn a' Ghlo and An Socach summit.
It is a stony 2km stroll to the main summit but a lot of the stony areas can be avoided. View north east.
On the way back.
Had an easy walk back to the track but it did get quite warm.
Lapwing making a racket.
Ponies with sign warning against interaction.
