Difficult – some hands on rock Grade 1 scrambling required and long distance
Distance
11.8 miles
Time
8 hours
Elevation
3,553 ft
Starting Point
Overbeck Bridge Carpark Grid Ref NY 168 069
OS Map
OS Explorer OL4 and OL6 (both maps are required)
Winter Conditions
Should only be attempted by experienced hikers due to distance and reduced daylight hours
Pillar, part of the Mosedale Horseshoe, commands a central position among the Western Fells, making it difficult to access and cannot be summited with ease from any direction. Usual starting points include Ennerdale, Buttermere, and Wasdale Head. While the Wasdale route option is the shortest it remains strenuous and difficult along with the others.
The route detailed here is a little further out at Overbeck in Wasdale and very much worth the effort if you choose to take it on. If you do, it is important that you are confident in your physical fitness, competent at map reading and well prepared when considering the time/distance.
At the far end of the National Trust carpark (your starting point), cast your eyes up and you will see the unmissable Southwestern flank of Yewbarrow [pictured above]. Start by taking the path up through a kissing gate and over a stile, keeping the fence to your right until you arrive at a fork. From here take the lower track.This path is not always obvious, and you may lose it along the way. Don’t be too concerned, simply maintain Yewbarrow to your right the audible beck to your left and head on.Following the path, you will eventually arrive at a clearing known as Dore Head and where the notable outline of Yewbarrow distinctly ends. At this point take the scrambling path up towards Red Pike [as illustrated on the image above]. Sighting a large boulder (a remnant from the last ice age) halfway up to your left is confirmation that you are on the right track.Continuing upwards towards Red Pike the path will ease off in parts. Looking back, you can see the scramble up and over the North side of Yewbarrow via Stirrup Crag.After some time of scrambling and scree paths, Red Pike will finally come into view.Red Pike summit (2,710ft) is noted by a cairn and has no trig point.A great spot for another tea break and to appreciate the view across to the Southern Fells and the Scafell Range. Opposite to this is Scoat Tarn looking out across the Irish Sea.Gathering your bearings; if you look North-east you will see the huge mound which is Pillar [image below], and where you are heading if you choose to continue. On the route you can tick off Black Crag [above centre] or detour to Steeple [above right]. Note: Black Crag is not an official Wainwright whereas Steeple is.After leaving Black Crag you will see Pillar and what will be an arduous drag up. Take it slow.Tada!!! you have finally arrived at Pillar (2,927ft) to take in its wonderful 360 views. Time for another tea break!Now you have box ticked the summits you can return the same way but via the lower paths as shown above.Once you return to just above Dore Head, where Yewbarrow is in sight, take the opposite upper return track back. Keeping the beck and Yewbarrow to your left the entire way until you reach a wooden bridge.At this bridge you will continue along to the final path.Concluding your day eight hours or so later by dropping down from here to the carpark. You are back, exhausted, but with your well-being fully recharged.
those who did not move never noticed the chains that bound them
Additional Notes :
The National Trust starting point carpark is at Overbeck Bridge. It is good to note that when it is busy, particularly at the weekend, the farmer will open a field just before the bridge. The cost is £5 per day.
