Branstree has a connection southwestward to Harter Fell: the ridge crosses Gatescarth Pass at 1,900 feet (580 m) which was the route of pedestrian traffic between Mardale and Longsleddale, its well-graded zig-zags still used by walkers today.

The ancient trade between the two valleys ended when the level of Haweswater was raised in the 1940s, submerging the village of Mardale Green beneath the reservoir.

Immediately east of Branstree is a second fell of similar height, 2,207 feet (673 m), and character, which is unnamed on OS maps.

South from Branstree a further ridge connects to Tarn Crag, passing between the head of Mosedale and the headwaters of Longsleddale.

The eastern subsidiary summit of Howes is the subject of a chapter of Wainwright's book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland.

This unusual stone and concrete construction is cleft at the top to provide a sight line and was originally surrounded by a wooden frame, now decayed.

Alternative routes climb from the vicinity of Mosedale cottage and from the shore of Haweswater near the start of the Mardale Corpse Road.