The most popular ascent of Cruach Ardrain starts at Crianlarich and uses the north and north west ridges as routes of ascent and descent. The north ridge is often recommended for ascent as it gives an exhilarating scramble over the Top of Stob Garbh, leaving the north west ridge for descent. The plantations at the foot of the NW ridge can be awkward to navigate but breaks in the forest do exist. A southern approach on mostly grassy slopes is possible from the roadhead before Inverlochlarig at .