Pillar from Wasdale 5th August 2009

Earlier in the year I had climbed Pillar from Honister Pass with my father in law via Haystacks and the Shamrock Traverse. Having told everyone how good the walk was, he had managed to convince my wife (Nic) that she could manage the scrambles around Pillar Rock and she should come along. So a plan was hatched and we set off for Pillar but this time from Wasdale.
The weather was bright and sunny but there was a strong wind at our backs as we made the ascent up to Black Sail Pass. The ascent was long but the path was easy and on reaching the top of the pass, the views to Haystacks and into the Ennerdale valley where worth the effort.

Along the top of the ridge the effect of the wind was making the going a little difficult but once we dropped onto the High Level path we were completely sheltered and the walk was very enjoyable.

We visited Robinson’s Cairn and had a sandwich or two before getting stuck into Shamrock Traverse.
The walk up until this point had been pretty flat but now the going was definitely vertical with some sections requiring ‘spotting’ for those a little nervous of heights.

This had been Nic’s most serious hill walk since climbing Snowdon before the kids were born and she struggled a little with the exposure on the section from Pillar Rock. Good job the climb is short! Once on top, everyone was elated after completing a difficult route and with the exceptional views from the summit.

We descended back to Wasdale via the scree slopes into Mosedale. For me, this was the hardest part of the route, especially on tired legs.

A great walk with fantastic weather, however, I’d recommend the route from Honsiter Pass due to the incredibly long drive around to Wasdale Head!