The easiest ascent of the mountain starts from the highest point of the A859 road between Tarbert and Ardvourlie (Aird a' Mhulaidh), and climbs the broad southern shoulder. A longer and more varied expedition starts at a bridge over the Scaladale River (Abhainn Scaladail) near Ardvourlie, from where the minor summit of Tomnabhal may be ascended before continuing on to the Clisham. Many walkers taking this option continue west then north along the ridge, taking in the summits of Mull bho Dheas, Mulla bho Thuath and Mullach an Langa, thus completing a round known as the Clisham Horseshoe, which involves a degree of scrambling competence.