The summit of Honister Pass provides a convenient high level start. There is a well marked and mainly stoned path starting close to the youth hostel which leads directly to the summit by way of Grey Knotts. Another route follows the remains of the inclined tramway to the Drum House and then contours around the western slopes of Grey Knotts. From Gatesgarth at the head of Buttermere, a path runs up the valley of Warnscale Beck. Passing around the crags of Haystacks it then crosses the plateau to pick up the Ennerdale fence, bound for Brandreth. If climbing from Borrowdale then the path alongside Sour Milk Gill into Gillercomb can be used, followed by a stiff pull up to Gillercomb Head. A long walk up Ennerdale can also be the prelude to an ascent of Brandreth. Many walkers will ascend the fell indirectly from one of its neighbours, or avoid the summit altogether as they follow the contouring path from Honister to Great Gable.