Acting as a staging post on the popular ascent of Helvellyn from Patterdale, Birkhouse Moor is crossed by a number of major routes. The ridge can be gained from the Glenridding side via Mires Beck or Lanty's Tarn. From the mouth of Grisedale a path climbs to the Hole-in-the-Wall, with variations allowing the summit to be visited or bypassed. Pathless climbs can also be made up The Nab or the north ridge from Glenridding. The view from the true summit is dominated by Helvellyn and the encircling arms of Striding and Swirral Edges.