Pillar

Pillar is a big, remote mountain and a serious day, though the standard walkers' route involves no scrambling. At 892 m (2,927 ft) it's the eighth-highest in the Lakes, and reaching it means around 800 m of ascent on a long approach far from the road — a test of stamina rather than technique.

It only becomes 'hard' if you take the exposed High Level Route, or confuse the walk with Pillar Rock (a rock climb — see below). For walkers in good weather, the Black Sail Pass route is straightforward but committing.

Sources: Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (opens in new tab)

The usual and easiest line is from Wasdale Head via Black Sail Pass: up past Gatherstone Beck to the pass, then west along the ridge over Looking Stead to the summit. It's a clear path with no scrambling, just a long, sustained climb.

It can also be reached from Ennerdale (a long valley walk in). Either way it's a big, remote outing — not a quick fell.

Sources: National Trust — Pillar trail from Wasdale Head (opens in new tab)

Allow around 5–6 hours for the round trip from Wasdale Head via Black Sail Pass, with roughly 800 m of ascent over a long approach. Bigger rounds (the Mosedale Horseshoe taking in Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Steeple) make a full 7–8 hour mountain day.

Start early, and remember how far you are from help if anything slows you down.

Sources: National Trust — Pillar trail from Wasdale Head (opens in new tab)

No — and you shouldn't try to as a walker. Pillar Rock is a huge separate crag on the Ennerdale face, famous as the only summit on the main hill lists in England that requires actual rock climbing (a Grade 3 scramble / Moderate climb) to reach its own top. It is for experienced climbers only.

The walkers' summit of Pillar is a straightforward walk nearby. Admire Pillar Rock from the High Level Route or the summit — don't attempt to climb it without the skills, gear and experience.

Sources: Knowledge — Pillar (opens in new tab)

It's a magnificent route but a serious one, much harder than the Black Sail ridge. It traverses the steep Ennerdale face above Pillar Rock on narrow paths with sections of very steep, loose scree, and a slip in places could have grave consequences.

Only confident, sure-footed walkers should take it, in dry, clear conditions — and it's best avoided in wet, wind or poor visibility. If in doubt, use the standard ridge route instead.

Sources: Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (opens in new tab)

Not really — it's a big, remote, strenuous mountain and better tackled once you've some hill fitness and a few fells behind you. The walkers' route has no scrambling, but the long approach, big ascent and distance from help make it a poor first choice.

If you go, pick a clear, settled day, carry full kit, map and compass, and avoid the High Level Route and Pillar Rock.

Sources: Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (opens in new tab)

Very remote by Lakeland standards — a long way from any road whichever way you go, so you must be self-reliant. Carry full waterproof and warm layers, plenty of food and water, a map and compass (and the skill to use them), and a charged phone, and check the mountain forecast.

Wear proper boots for the rough, rocky ground, allow a generous time margin, and be ready to turn back — help is hours away.

Sources: MWIS — Lake District forecast (opens in new tab)