Start point: Bowness Knott Car Park (NY 109 153)
Bowness Knott Car Park – Gillerthwaite – Ennerdale Forest – Pillar Cove – Shamrock Traverse – Pillar – Black Crag (Pillar) – Scoat Fell – Steeple– Lingmell – Bowness Knott Car Park
Distance: 11 miles Total Ascent: 1080 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes
Weather: Sunny, cold wind on the tops. 23oC.
Pillar is my favourite mountain as I think I have said previously but this is the first time I have climbed it from the Ennerdale side and what a route; it is absolutely fabulous! This had everything I desire in a good walk – it is rugged, steep and rocky, remote and wild and it gave something that everyone looks for now and again, namely a jaw dropping ‘wow’ moment at the start of the climb towards Pillar Rock. The scenery is awesome, simply the best there is and in Pillar Cove it feels like no person has ever been there before with that mighty column of rock towering above. Coupled with the fine and clear weather this made it truly a walk to remember and one which I shall definitely repeat.

A very impressive view indeed and a real jaw dropping moment. The route is to the right of the small beck then diagonally left below Pillar Rock.

Casper waits patiently amongst the tree stumps. There is no doubt this view has vastly improved with the deforestation and the path used is an old firebreak between the trees which makes the going easier than it would have been.

Casper on the summit of Pillar. There were lovely views to Scotland in the north and to Furness in the south today.

Looking over to Great Gable and Kirk Fell to the left with the Scafells covered in cloud. Lingmell is on the right in the middle distance.

The summit of Pillar. Although the skies were blue, there was a really strong wind up here and it was much colder than it looks. Time to get a jacket on.