Pillar

Pillar

Overview

Pillar rises to 892.4 m between Ennerdale and Mosedale in the western Lake District. Its broad summit contrasts with the craggy north face and separate Pillar Rock. The normal Wasdale approach follows Black Sail Pass and the east ridge.

Summit and views

Trig point on the broad summit at NY 17126 12104, with a cairn nearby. Pillar Rock is a separate lower rock summit to the north. Views include Great Gable, the Scafells and Steeple. The broad summit limits some downward views; the north side overlooks Ennerdale and Pillar Rock, with steep ground below.

Pillar from Wasdale Head via Black Sail Pass (return)

Start at Wasdale Head Village Green (NY18680852). Pass the Wasdale Head Inn and follow the Mosedale path to the Gatherstone Beck ford (NY18401084). Climb past Gatherstone Head to Black Sail Pass, turn northwest and follow the east ridge near Looking Stead, climbing through rocky ground to Pillar’s summit trig point. Retrace this route via Black Sail Pass, Gatherstone Beck and Mosedale to Wasdale Head Village Green. National Trust gives 12 km and an estimated 4 hours 30 minutes for the full return, with over 800 m of ascent. The ford needs particular care at high water; do not attempt an unsafe crossing. This route stays on the main ridge rather than the High-Level Route.

Pillar High-Level Route from Wasdale Head (circuit)

From Wasdale Head Village Green, follow Mosedale, cross the Gatherstone Beck ford and climb to Black Sail Pass. Turn northwest along the ridge past Looking Stead, then take the High-Level Route across Pillar’s north face to Robinson’s Cairn. Follow the Shamrock Traverse past Pillar Rock and climb to Pillar’s main summit trig point. Descend the main east ridge to Black Sail Pass, then return down Gatherstone Beck and through Mosedale to Wasdale Head Village Green. The north-face ledges are airy and exposed; this is a more demanding alternative to the normal ridge route. Pillar Rock itself is a separate technical climb and is not included. The Gatherstone ford must be safe on both outward and return legs.

Access and facilities

The described return walks start at Wasdale Head Village Green (NY18680852). Parking in Wasdale is limited; follow local signs. Lake Head car park is a different start and changes the route distance. For Ennerdale, Bowness Knott has charged parking and no public vehicle access farther up the valley. National Trust lists public toilets and parking at Wasdale Head, with refreshments at the Wasdale Head Inn. Check opening arrangements and carry supplies for the mountain. Black Sail Hostel is remote in Ennerdale and is not on the normal Wasdale ascent.

The seasonal Wasdale Explorer links Ravenglass railway station with Wasdale Head via Gosforth and Nether Wasdale. Its 2026 season ended in August; check the National Park’s current timetable before planning a connection. Do not assume a year-round bus to the walk start.

Ennerdale access notice

As checked on 16 October 2026, Forestry England displays a temporary closure of Memorial Bridge opposite Pillar following Storm Éowyn damage and directs walkers to Middle Bridge. Forestry operations can also restrict access: obey local signs and check current notices. This is not a closure of Pillar’s summit or the Wasdale routes described above. Old Ennerdale-route distances should not be assumed to cover the diversion.

Safety

The Gatherstone Beck ford on the Mosedale approach can be unsafe at high water; it must also be crossed on return. The High-Level Route follows airy north-face ledges and the Shamrock Traverse. Pillar Rock itself requires technical climbing and is not part of the walking routes. The east-ridge ascent also includes steep rocky ground. Carry a map and compass and check mountain conditions; many parts of Wasdale have no mobile coverage.

Geology and climbing history

Pillar is built from erosion-resistant rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. These ancient Lake District lavas and volcanic ashes date from around 450 million years ago, long before the Quaternary glaciations that helped shape the surrounding valleys. The fell takes its name from Pillar Rock, the striking rock formation on its northern, Ennerdale face. Pillar Rock was an important early centre of Lakeland rock climbing, with fifty recorded ascents in 1875. Robinson’s Cairn on the High-Level Route commemorates John Wilson Robinson (1853–1907), a pioneering fellwalker and climber.