Pillar. 8.5 miles ascent of 2850 ft. Walkers Michael D and Danny K

We set off at 5.45, for the 2hr drive to Wasdale Head.
The weather forecast predicted patchy drizzle and early morning cloud,followed by the cloud lifting later in the morning, and the sun breaking through. This turned out to be partly correct.
The patchy cloud hanging over the valleys as we travelled over the moors, and the clouds hugging the mountain crags as we entered Wasdale, were sights to remember.
We got booted up and were on our way before 8. 0. Clock

Although our route didn't take us across this bridge, it was too good an opportunity to let pass by

The cloud was hanging low over Mosedale as we set off up the valley.

There was no shortage of water cascading down the several becks
from the mountains on either side of the valley.

9 50, we decided to have our brew before continuing up into the stubborn clouds that were refusing to lift.

We had to tread carefully as we crossed the swollen beck

The clouds below us were blanking out our view of the valley floor......

.....And the clouds above us were obstructing our view of the distant ridge.

On reaching the junction where the paths diverge, we intended to take the path to the right across the high level traverse to Shamrock (Pillar Rock).

We went a short way along the path, but the way ahead looked eerie.

We decided to wait awhile, in the hope that the clouds would disperse.

Occasionally there was a slight drift of the clouds giving us a  glimpse of a near by crag, before closing up again.

We decided to leave the traverse to Pillar Rock for another day....

......And set off for the summit.

There were some interesting features on the way up and on a clear day would have given us spectacular views.

Investigating these features could have proved hazardous, so we didn't venture to close to the edge.

Michael at the summit.

Danny at the summit.

Lunch on the summit. We hadn't seen another human on the way up but as we were lunching, we heard voices and spotted a young couple, (climbers) equipped with ropes and all the other climbing gear.Would they be as prudent as us? Probably not.

We headed back down by a different route, which took us down through a large area of scree which tested our slalom skills to the limit. But eventually we came out of the cloud and were able to see our way back along the valley.

Heading back to Wasdale.

Another Meanderthals bridge shot.

3.0.Clock back at the car park. A very enjoyable walk despite the disappointment of not attaining our goal of Pillar Rock.
Thanks Michael.
D K.

Click here to see Michael's pictures.