If you looking for a great 360 degree panoramic view of the lakes district and over towards the Irish sea then you will struggle to beat the summit of Pillar.
This quiet and awkward to reach fell offers the rare opportunity to camp completely alone on the top of a high fell. With most of the other fells you often have to share camping locations with 2 or more tents, even in the depths of winter.
There’s no water on the top and it’s completely exposed to storms rolling in off the Irish sea, but if you watch the weather and pick the right night you will be richly rewarded.
OS Map and Route
Download file for GPSDetails
- Start: NY 186 085
- Finish:NY 171 120
- Distance: 6.5km
- Ascent: 879m
- Time: 2hrs 30mins
- Camp Altitude: 892m
Features
- A wind shelter that’s great for cooking dinner if the wind picks up
- No water source on the top so pick up water as you are climbing up Black Sail Pass
- Not too steep or rocky so suitable even in the colder months
- The pub near the start does great food and beer – you won’t want to leave!
Views
- Awesome 360 views on a sunny day
- Great views over the Irish sea and back towards Scafell
Parking
- The main car park is often full, especially in June – August due to 3 peaks climbers so used the other carpark or park further back by the lake
Gallery
The summit of Pillar features in the 360 video I filmed a couple of years ago at 1m:15s in (see below!)