Description
The Inaccessible Pinnacle of the Lake District.
The only Lake District summit that requires rock climbing skills.
This is proper mountaineering.
Pillar Rock itself sits on the flanks of Pillar, an imposing and serious place looming high above the Ennerdale valley - one of the most remote areas of the Lake District. This summit alludes many hill walkers and is the crown jewel for those completing the Nuttall's and Birkett's.
Pillar Rock and High Man itself stand proud and imposing on the mountainside.
On the day we will:
Meet at Wasdale Head, the heart of the big mountains.
We will walk up the Black Sail Pass and over to Looking Stead. From here we will join the High Level Route to Pillar.
The walk in to Pillar Rock is around 2hr 30 mins
On arrival at Robinson's Cairn, we will gain the Shamrock Traverse and scramble up behind Pisgah to the start of our route of choice - Slab and Notch.
This climb is graded Moderate and is exposed.
We will split the climb into sections known as pitches. This makes the route manageable as we climb upwards onto the summit of High Man.
For descent, it is required to abseil off into Jordan Gap.
We will manage the ropes and control your descent as we lower you down and into the gully below.
After we have climbed on Pillar Rock, we will make our way up and onto the summit of Pillar mountain - an impressive Wainwright fell with far reaching views across the north and west side of the National Park.
We will then begin our descent.
This route is about 14km and the day can last up to 9 hours so expect a big day in the hills. In misty or rainy conditions we advise caution. The terrain is complex and the rock climbing difficulty increases dramatically in the wet.
Get in touch to plan your adventure onto Pillar Rock.
We also offer guided climbing days on this crag at the prices advertised on this page.
If you would like to climb New West Climb - please enquire
This climb is graded Very Difficult and was first climbed in 1901!
The price of this day is inclusive of:
- A qualified Mountaineering Instructor affiliated with AMI
- Local & intimate knowledge of the venues
- Technical equipment
- Professional coaching & instruction
- A private day for you and your party
Requirements
What to bring
Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof Trousers
Fleece Layer
Spare Warm Top
Hat & Gloves
Boots/Approach Shoes
Your boots need to be sturdy and supportive - we recommend a mid boot or approach shoe for scrambling as some climbing will be involved
Take a look at:
Scarpa Mescalito
La Sportiva TX4
30-40L Rucksack
Lunch & Snacks
1 litre water
Personal Medication
Camera
Equipment provided:
Helmet
Harness
Technical equipment
Ropes
Online bookings by eola