Sat 09Jul16 Pillar Mountain Range

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Sat 9Jul16 Pillar Mountain Range

The Pillar Range is a fine ridge walk with excellent views, made famous by Alfred Wainwright as some of his favourite mountains.

Only 10 miles but there is an initial long climb followed by an undulating ridge going from peak to peak. So you will need to be moderately hill fit but by no means a mountain goat.

This route is steep and rough in a few places but tremendously exciting and nothing too difficult and I won’t be in any rush to miss the magnificent scenery.

The ridge is mostly grassy but with stoney summits. There is one short arete (a razor thin rocky edge) but it is avoidable if that kind of thing scares you.

Sleeping over is highly recommended due to the remote location. See the diary for the Ennerdale weekend accommodation. If you are coming just for the day then please let the walk leader know well in advance due to the limited car parking and poor phone signals.

This is what Alfred Wainwright had to say about some of the peaks en route:-

· Pillar 892m:-
The name of the fell clearly derives from the conspicuous feature on the north face directly below the top, the most handsome crag in Lakeland.

· Black Crag 828m:-
A chaotic pile of boulders.

· Scoat Fell 833m:-
Tremendously exciting, wild and desolate terrain.

· Steeple 819m:-
This is a thrilling spot. One’s feet are on the ground, but one’s eyes see as from a cloud in the heavens.

· Great Scoat Fell 841m:-
Magnificent mountain scenery on all sides.

· Haycock 797m:-
Is a giant in stature, completely dominating the head of the valley and unchallenged by other peaks. It is supreme it cannot be neglected.

· Little Gowder Crag 733m:-
An interesting feature.

Distance: 10.0 Miles

Walk grade: Hard

Start: YHA Ennerdale, Cleator, Cumbria at 9:30am prompt

Map:- http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=314257&Y=514156&A=Y&Z=115