The main approach is from the A835 road through the Lael Forest then over the Coire an Lochain Sgeirich ridge at the head of Gleann a' Mhadaidh.

The base of the hill is then reached across pathless boggy terrain, keeping the cliffs of Cadha Dearg to the north.

The distance to the summit is 13.5 kilometres (8+1⁄2 mi) and will take the average hill climber just under five hours to reach.

This makes Seana Bhràigh one of the two most inaccessible Scottish hills, along with A' Mhaighdean, north of Kinlochewe.

[2] A ski approach is possible in winter, providing a "superb" run from the summit to Strath Mulzie.