The mountain is particularly well seen from the east; it is a prominent landmark as far away as the Moray Firth, some thirty miles away, from where locals use it as a guide for the weather forecast.

Another minor summit, Rudha na Spreidhe, lies at the end of the mountain's northern spur and gives good views of Loch Monar; this was also formerly classed as a top, but has now been deleted from Munro's Tables.

The usual approach from Glen Cannich starts at the parking spot at the Loch Mullardoch dam (grid reference NH219315) and begins by ascending the Munro of Càrn nan Gobhar by its south ridge.

The route then goes north-west to a col at 796 metres before ascending the broad, grassy east ridge of Sgurr na Lapaich.

From the power station a stalkers' path leads to the col between An Riabhachan and Sgurr na Lapaich, from where there is a further climb of over 300 metres to reach the summit.