On foot, Mount Pleasant is directly accessible from the main part of West Mickley via a steep but paved uphill path alongside High Close Woods and the Belasis Burn.

When driving or cycling, however, one needs to take Stonybank Way, which goes uphill just east of the petrol station at Branch End in the neighbouring village of Stocksfield.

Beginning with a few houses on the main road and at Mount Pleasant, the village expanded in the late 19th and early 20th century.

By the main road, where the colliery once lay, there is now a little park next to the houses and a field big enough for dogs to roam.

Also there is a walk through Low Close Woods at the opposite side of the A695 to the houses, which leads eventually down to the River Tyne.