Pillar from Wasdale Head
Climb to this prominent Lakeland Fell on this popular circular route. The mountain stands at 892 metres (2,927 feet) making it the eighth highest in the Lake District. On the walk you'll enjoy splendid views of the valleys of Ennerdale and Wasdale.
The fell is typically climbed from Wasdale Head where there is a popular car park. From here you head north to the rushing water of Ritson's Force Waterfalls. You continue to Gatherstone Head, crossing Gatherstone Beck on the way. The ascent continues along the Black Sail Pass before turning west to the Pillar summit via Looking Stead. The summit is wide and grassy with splendid views of most of the major Lakeland fells. You can also see Loweswater and Ennerdale Water. Nearby is Pillar Rock, considered one of the wonders of the Lake District. The striking rock is popular with rock climbers and located just to the north of the Pillar summit.
After taking in the fine views you descend to Scoat Fell. From here the full horseshoe of the Western Fells can be seen. The descent continues to Red Pike fell, passing Scoat Tarn before coming to Dore Head. The final section takes you around Dorehead Screes and along Mosedale Beck before returning to the Wasdale Head car park.
To continue your walking in the area you could climb to Scafell Pike. Scafell is the highest point in England and is often climbed from Wasdale Head.
Just to the north of Pillar is Ennerdale Forest where there are footpaths leading to the lovely Ennerdale Water.
Pillar from Wasdale Head Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Pillar from Wasdale Head Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Pillar from Wasdale Head OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Pillar from Wasdale Head Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
At the car park there's a static van selling a good range of hot meals and snacks. There's also an information point here which will tell you all about the walks in the area. Also nearby is the famous Wasdale Head Inn. Described as the the birthplace of climbing the inn has an interesting history stretching back over 200 years. They do very good food and have a decent selection of ales too. It's located close to the car park at postcode CA20 1EX for your sat navs. The inn is also dog friendly and will provide water bowls for your thirsty friend.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular walk around Wast Water also starts from Wasdale Head. It's a 7 mile trail around the park's deepest lake with fine views to the surrounding fells.
On the eastern side of the water you can enjoy a climb to Whin Rigg and Illgill Head on a more challenging circular walk around Wast Water. There's some excellent views over the lake from these prominent peaks. The pretty Burnmoor Tarn can also be visited in this area.
For more walking ideas in the National Park see the Lake District Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Ritsons Force
Pillar and Rock
On Pillar Crags above Ennerdale
Crags on Pillar. On the ridge just to the east of the summit. The path flirts with the grid-square boundary as it rounds the top of Pillar Cove. Great Gable is the distinctive fell to the right. The Helvellyn and Fairfield ranges are in the distance with a just a glimpse of the High Street range in the farthest distance.
Descending Scoat Fell
Wind Gap
Summit Cairn Red Pike Wasdale. Looking north along the ridge.
On Red Pike