The ascent favoured by many is from the south-eastern corner of Buttermere, From Gatesgarth Farm, across the road from the Farm Car park and out towards the ascent at the bottom of Haystacks. Haystacks would commonly be the first port of call with options to go north towards Seat and High Crag then High Stile, Red Pike, Dodd and then back alongside the lake back to the Farm, or south towards Fleetwith Pike. The other main ascent is the opposite, starting at the north of the lake from the village of Buttermere and up to Red Pike then to High Stile, High Crag, then finally onto Seat and Haystacks. Other ascents which are less common include the ascent via Scarth Gap from Ennerdale Forest.