On its western flanks Beinn a' Chaorainn falls away steeply to the Lairig an Laoigh pass on slopes that are mostly grassy but are craggy in places. To the east stands Beinn a' Chaorainn Bheag (1017 metres), a subsidiary top, which is listed in Munro's Tables.
Beinn a' Chaorainn descends sharply on its western flank to the Lairig an Laoigh pass, featuring grassy slopes with rocky outcrops. To the east is Beinn a' Chaorainn Bheag (1017 metres), a minor peak, as found in Munro's Tables.