The most convenient starting point for the ascent of Càrn nan Gobhar is the parking place at the end of the public road in Glen Cannich by the Loch Mullardoch dam at grid reference . The route follows the northern shore of the loch for 1.5 km before ascending steeply up the SSE ridge passing over Mullach na Moille on the way to the summit. The mountain is often climbed in conjunction with Sgurr na Lapaich and strong walkers will also take in the other two Mullardoch Munros of An Riabhachan and An Socach.