White Pike

Rising as a rugged, rocky spur on the south side of Pillar, this summit offers an incredible vantage point over the upper reaches of Ennerdale. It is characterized by steep, broken ground and scree, serving as a dramatic waypoint for those tackling the High Level Route towards Pillar’s main summit.

• •The name derives from the Old Norse 'pik', meaning a pointed hill, with the 'White' prefix likely referring to the pale, weathered volcanic rocks that break through the thin soil and heather of its slopes.
• •It is a key feature of the High Level Route, a classic traverse that allows walkers to stay high above Ennerdale, providing the most dramatic perspectives of the climbers' cliffs on Pillar Rock.
• •From this height, the view south-west across Mirk Cove is exceptional, framing the sharp, narrow ridge of Steeple against the wider backdrop of the Wastwater Screes.
• •It is included in the Synge classification, a list compiled by Tim Synge to recognize summits with significant local character and prominence that are sometimes missed by the Wainwright guides.
• •It serves as an excellent spot to pause and eat, primarily because the remaining climb to Pillar’s summit is much steeper than it looked from the bottom of the ridge.