Map & Elevation
About this Route
This out-and-back starts at the National Trust car park at Wasdale Head and climbs Pillar by Mosedale, Black Sail Pass and Looking Stead. The attached GPX is 15.8 km, with 811 m of ascent and a walking-time estimate of 4 hours 31 minutes. Treat that as moving time rather than a promise: the ford, the pitched climb to the pass and the rocky ridge can all slow you down.
Leave the car park towards Wasdale Head, bear right past the buildings and follow the path beside Mosedale Beck. Pass the packhorse bridge and Row Head Farm, then take the left fork at NY 1877 0904 to enter Mosedale. The path follows the valley floor for about 1.7 km to Gatherstone Beck. Cross at the rocky ford at NY 1840 1084; after heavy rain this may be difficult or unsafe, so check the water before committing. On the far side, climb the zigzags past Gatherstone Head and continue with the beck below on your right until the stone-pitched path begins.
Follow the pitched path to Black Sail Pass and the remains of the old metal gateway on the boundary fence. Turn left, west, for Pillar. The path climbs over Looking Stead and then follows Pillar’s east ridge. It is a walking route, but it is not a smooth one: expect repeated rocky rises, short descents and a few places where the path passes close to steep ground. Stay with the main ridge path. The High Level Route leaves towards Pillar Rock on the Ennerdale side and is a separate, more serious route; it is not included in this GPX.
The summit is broad, with a trig point and stone shelters. In cloud, take a bearing before starting down because several ridges and paths leave the summit area. Return over Looking Stead to Black Sail Pass, turn right down the pitched path and retrace the route through Mosedale. Take care at Gatherstone Beck again: a crossing that was easy in the morning may be higher after rain.
Pillar is a very rugged and mighty massif enclosing much of the south side of Ennerdale, and closing the head of Mosedale above Wasdale.
Walkhighlands
Route Waypoints
Leave the car park towards Wasdale Head. Bear right past the buildings and follow the path beside Mosedale Beck, passing the packhorse bridge and Row Head Farm.
At NY 1877 0904 take the left fork into Mosedale. The other line continues towards the lower slopes of Kirk Fell, so check the junction before carrying on.
Cross the rocky ford at NY 1840 1084. Test the water level before stepping in; after heavy rain, turn back rather than forcing a dangerous crossing.
Climb the zigzags on the far bank. The gradient eases above Gatherstone Head; continue with Gatherstone Beck below on your right.
At about NY 1877 1134 join the main stone-pitched climb. Follow it uphill without taking faint trods across the slope.
At the old broken gateway on the boundary fence, turn left and west for Pillar. Right leads towards Kirk Fell; north drops into Ennerdale.
Follow the ridge over Looking Stead. Beyond the top the path dips and then begins the rougher climb along Pillar’s east ridge.
Keep to the main path on or near the ridge crest. Do not take the path traversing onto the Ennerdale side towards Pillar Rock and the High Level Route.
Work through the rocky rises on the worn path. There are short steeper steps and nearby drops, so keep to the established line and allow room for walkers coming down.
Reach the broad summit, trig point and stone shelters. Note the eastward return line towards Looking Stead before leaving, particularly if cloud is moving in.
Retrace the east ridge and Looking Stead. At Black Sail Pass turn right into Mosedale, recross Gatherstone Beck and follow the valley path back.
Essential Tips
The route crosses a rocky ford. Heavy rain can make it unsafe, and water may rise while you are on the hill. Be prepared to turn back.
Beyond Looking Stead stay on the ordinary east-ridge path. The traverse towards Pillar Rock is a different and more serious route.
Pillar has a broad summit and several possible lines. In cloud, take a bearing for Looking Stead and confirm it with the GPX and map.
The road into Wasdale is narrow and mobile signal is unreliable. Carry food, water, waterproofs, a headtorch and an independent navigation backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the ford crossing at Gatherstone Beck?
It depends on recent rainfall. The rocky ford can become difficult or unsafe after heavy rain, and water levels may rise while you're on the hill. Always test the water level before crossing and be prepared to turn back if it looks dodgy.
How long does the Pillar walk from Wasdale Head take?
The estimated walking time is 4 hours 31 minutes for the 15.8 km route, but treat that as moving time only. The ford crossing, pitched climb to Black Sail Pass, and rocky ridge sections can all slow you down considerably.
Can I get lost coming down from Pillar summit?
Yes, easily. The summit is broad with several ridges and paths heading off in different directions. In cloud, take a bearing towards Looking Stead before you start descending and use your map and GPS to confirm the right line.