The most common ascent of Ciste Dhubh starts on the A87 road just east of the Cluanie Inn on the shores of Loch Cluanie at grid reference . From there it is a walk up the valley of the Allt a' Chaorainn Bhig to reach the Bealach a' Choinich; an alternative way of reaching this bealach is by climbing the Corbett of Am Bathach which stands to the east of the valley. From the bealach it is a steep ascent up grassy slopes until the southern ridge is reached which is followed to Ciste Dhubh's rocky summit. It is possible to ascend the mountain from the Alltbeithe youth hostel in upper Glen Affric by climbing the northern ridge.