Pillar Rock Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Elevation
780m
2,559 ft
Prominence
18m
Coordinates
54.4999, -3.2808
NY171123
OS Map
89 90
Explorer: OL4S
The summit of Pillar Rock features a prominent rocky outcrop with a small cairn. The views from this vantage point are nothing short of splendid, allowing you to catch your breath and, perhaps, your lunch if the wind's in a cheeky mood.
The area around Pillar Rock is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically andesite and dacite, which dates back to the Ordovician period. This rugged rock formation offers a dramatic appearance and intriguing geological features.
From the summit, you can enjoy views of Buttermere, Crummock Water, and the peaks of the surrounding fells, including Haystacks and the mighty Scafell Pike on a clear day.
The name 'Pillar' originates from the dramatic rock formation that resembles a pillar rising from the landscape, a fitting description for this towering feature.
Pillar Rock has become popular not just for its hiking opportunities but also for its climbing routes, attracting rock climbers from all around the UK.
This popular route starts from Wasdale Head and follows the Black Sail Pass path before branching off onto the High Level Traverse. The path skirts steep slopes below Pillar's northern crags and leads directly to Pillar Rock. This route is renowned for its dramatic views and thrilling terrain.
Starting from the Ennerdale valley, this route takes you past the historic Black Sail Hut, one of the most remote bothies in England. The path climbs steadily up to the summit of Pillar, with an optional detour to Pillar Rock for experienced scramblers.
Beginning at Wasdale Head, this circular route includes Pillar as part of the Mosedale Horseshoe. The route offers a varied and scenic journey, with Pillar Rock accessible for confident scramblers along the way.
This route is a direct ascent to Pillar Rock via the Shamrock Traverse, a narrow path that requires both a head for heights and scrambling skills. Best suited for experienced mountaineers, it offers a thrilling and direct route to the summit.
For those looking for a less technical approach, this route begins in Ennerdale and follows forest tracks and well-defined paths to the base of Pillar. While it doesn't include Pillar Rock itself, it offers excellent views of the crags from below.
There is a car park at Bowness-on-Ennerdale (Grid Ref: NY 137 154), which is the closest parking area to the trailhead for the Pillar routes.
Stagecoach bus services operate to Ennerdale Bridge, with connections to nearby towns; however, services can be limited, so check the schedule.
There are no facilities on the summit, but Ennerdale Bridge offers a pub and a café for post-hike refreshments.
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Some common questions about the hills answered
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Pillar Rock through the maps
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Pillar Rock search or of course create your own walk for Pillar Rock
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Pillar Rock.
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Pillar Rock here
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Grid Ref: NY171123
Pillar
892m
High Stile [Grey Crag - High Stile]
806m
Fleetwith Pike
649m
Great Gable
899m
Grasmoor
852m
+ 5 more nearby hills
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