Pillar (Lake District)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pillar | |
|---|---|
 Pillar (left), from the top of Steeple |
|
| Elevation | 892 m (2926 ft) |
| Location | Lake District, England |
| Prominence | 348 m |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 89 |
| OS grid reference | NY171121 |
| Listing | Marilyn, Hewitt, Wainwright, Nuttall |
Pillar is a fell in the Western part of the English Lake District. It is situated between the valleys of Ennerdale to the north and Wasdale to the south, and is the highest point of the Pillar group (some dozen fells clustered round it). At 2,926 feet it is the eighth highest mountain in the Lake District and one of the most difficult to climb.
The fell is usually climbed either directly from Wasdale Head or as part of the Mosedale Horseshoe, a circuit of Mosedsle, a side-valley of Wasdale. The ascent from Ennerdale is steep but has the advantage of Pillar Rock. By far the best way to the top is by the High Level Route, a traverse in and out of Pillar's northern crags with a thrilling revelation of Pillar Rock at Robinson's Cairn.
Most visitors to the Lakes tend to stay in the Central or Eastern part of the District and, for them, a drive to Wasdale Head or Ennerdale (and back) adds considerable time to the outing. Strong walkers may wish to consider climbing Pillar from Buttermere. Note the emphasis on strong. The route climbs from the southern tip of Buttermere Lake to Scarth Gap at 1,470 feet. However, you then have to descend into Ennerdale, passing the Black Sail Youth Hostel, before joining the High Level Route mentioned above. This descent is some 550 feet and, if it is necessary to return to Buttermere, that height has to be regained at the end of the day. The compensation is that the whole route is splendid, abounding in interest throughout.
On the northern slope lies Pillar Rock, a large rocky outcrop surrounded by cliffs which is popular with rock climbers.
