From the Coast to Coast path between Fleetwith Pike and Grey Knotts, Haystacks presents a distinctive profile across the head of the Warnscale valley. To its east, Green Crag forms the back wall of the U-shaped glacial valley, while Great Round How sits in the saddle between Haystacks and Grey Knotts. The craggy ridge and steep flanks of Haystacks hint at the rugged, broken terrain that awaits on its summit.

From the lower slopes of Grey Knotts, Haystacks (597 m) is seen facing Gamlin End, the steep south-east face of High Crag (744 m). Just beyond rises High Stile (806 m), forming the western shoulder of the ridge. Across the valley to the south stands Pillar (892 m), one of the highest fells overlooking Ennerdale. To the north, a glimpse of Buttermere appears beneath the slopes of High Stile, completing the layered landscape.

This view from Green Gable looks east along the main stretch of Ennerdale Valley, capturing the rugged northern skyline of Haystacks, Gamlin End, High Crag, and High Stile. Opposite, on the southern side of the valley, lie the broken slopes of Boat How Crags, forming part of the wilder flank beneath Pillar.

Blackbeck Tarn is the largest of Haystacks’ three mountain tarns, lying just south of Green Crag on the main path to the summit. The trail passes between the tarn and the crag, offering a fine view of its still waters set among rocky ground. At its narrow north-west end, the tarn feeds Black Beck, a steep stream that descends sharply to Warnscale Beck, eventually flowing onward to Buttermere

The fence path along Haystacks’ southern boundary offers fine views across the length of Ennerdale Valley, particularly to the dramatic southern skyline. From here, the eye is drawn to Pillar and its surrounding peaks — a rugged wall of mountain rising steeply above the valley floor.

From the fence path on Haystacks, there is a truly striking view back to Great Gable and Green Gable, with the source channels of the River Liza clearly visible as they converge from either flank of Great Gable. Tongue Beck and Tongue — descending from Green Gable — are also seen with rare clarity, tracing the high ground that feeds Ennerdale’s headwaters.

The north face of Haystacks is steep and imposing, best appreciated from below in Buttermere. Together with Striddle Crag to the east and Green Crag at the centre, Haystacks forms the northern wall of a classic glacial U-valley — a dramatic example of the sculpting power of ice across the Lakeland fells.

Innominate Tarn lies at around 520 m on the flanks of Haystacks, set in a rocky hollow with a deeply indented shoreline. In spring and summer, its margins are fringed with water grasses, adding colour and contrast to the grey stone. Scattered islets enhance the tarn’s quiet charm, offering varied views from every angle. Once known as Loaf Tarn, this peaceful spot is now best remembered as the final resting place of Alfred Wainwright.