Pillar

Rather than attempting the Mosedale horseshoe our plan today was and up and down ascent of Pillar. 

Company at the summit of Pillar

Starting at Wasdale Head we took the obvious route up to Black Sail pass via Gatherstone Beck. The weather forecast was for 70% cloud free summit in the morning increasing to 90% in the afternoon. We were well in the cloudy 30% all morning with no view of our target or any of the Mosedale tops, and the cloudy 10% for most of the afternoon. Even Black Sail pass was in mist when we arrived. Nevertheless, the route was quite straightforward and the path easily followed despite the poor visibility. Only once did we get a glimpse of the valley floor of Ennerdale.

Cloud to the north clear to the south

After reaching the summit we retraced our steps taking the slightly lower path just after the descending form the top, but with no obvious advantage. We thought, mistakenly, there would be less boulders.

As is often the case the mist began to clear as we descended and we gained views into Mosedale, across to Yewbarrow and Red Pike. However with a marked contrast, the cloud to the north was persistent, still with no views down to Ennerdale. Further down the Scafell range came into view as we approached the valley floor. 

Time  7 hours

Memories

• Cloud to the north into Ennerdale whilst clear to the south into Mosedale 
• Long walk but easy route to follow
• Sitting just above Black Sail pass when the mist has cleared, admiring the masses of Kirkfell and Gable

Grade Excellent

Completed 193  To go 21