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 tapers off steeply on its western side to the Lairig an Laoigh pass, with grassy slopes that occasionally have rocky sections. To the east is Beinn a' Chaorainn Bheag (1017 metres), a minor peak, as listed in Munro's Tables.