[5] Chno Dearg expansive northern flank falls gradually to Glen Spean and the shores of Loch Laggan, the lower part being covered with an extensive forestry plantation.

These northern slopes can be boggy at times with numerous small streams, and contain the subsidiary top of Meall Chaorach (815 metres) which is 1.5 km from the main summit.

The other spur continues southerly to link to Meall Garbh (976 metres) which is listed as a “top” in Munro's Tables and has steep crags on its eastern flank.

The south side of Chno Dearg contains the steep-sided Coire nan Cnamh which falls precipitously to the glen of the Allt Feith Thuill, a tributary of the River Ossian.

Chno Dearg is usually climbed from the hamlet of Fersit (NN350784); as a rule the adjacent Munro of Stob Coire Sgriodain is also included in the ascent.