To the east, it is linked to the neighbouring mountain Stob Bàn by a bealach at a height of 846 metres; these two Munros are often climbed together from Glen Nevis.

[6] Mullach nan Coirean stands in stark contrast to the adjoining Stob Bàn, which is a pointed and light-shaded peak, owing to its crown of quartzite.

Mullach nan Coirean is a large sprawling mountain of ridges and corries, with its granite rock giving it a red shade (see picture).

The mountain has three north-facing corries: the finest of these is Coire Dearg (Red Corrie) which is drained by the Allt a' Choire Dheirg into Glen Nevis and is overlooked by Mullach nan Coirean’s South East Top (917 metres) which is listed as a "top" in Munro's Tables.

A direct ascent of the mountain starts at the same place and goes through the Nevis Forest to reach Mullach nan Coirean’s northeast ridge which is ascended to the summit.