Ascent of Pillar via The High Level Traverse to Pillar Rock.

This photo and the next are out of sequence. The didn't take kindly to being moved

On the high level traverse.

Wednesday 10 October. Walkers Michael Donlon and Danny Kirby.  7.45 at Wasdale head car park. Kitted up and looking foreward to tackling the high level traverse to Pillar Rock. A venture that we had to abandon on our previous ascent of Pillar in August, due to low cloud cover.

The must have Meanderthals bridge shot ??

The sky is clear and the sun is about to break cover.

It's 8.30 by Michaels watch. We can't yet see the sun, we are on the wrong side of the valley for that.

Michael heads off up the Mosedale Valley, leaving me in his wake.

A precarious crossing of Gatherston Beck.

Sun rise over Kirk Fell

Michael's still forging on ahead. Wait for me Michael. Phew!

Looking Stead, and our first sighting of the Ennerdale Valley. A view that was hidden from us the last time we came.

This is the start of the High Level Traverse.

We settle down for a brew, and reflect on the last time we were here, when the cloud was drifting around us and no views to be had. A far cry from today.

The traverse was a variety of grass, scree and rocks. Where the sun had not reached, the rocks were wet and slippy, and we had to proceed with caution.

Black Sail Youth Hostel in Ennerdale.

Robinson's Cairn.

From here we got a good view of Pillar Rock.

500 ft of rock, there couldn't be a nicer place to have lunch.

Setting off again our "path" took us up the left hand side of the rock to Walkers Gulley, and from where we begin the remaining
400 ft climb to the summit of Pillar itself.

The Shamrock Traverse. Wait for me Michael. Phew! Phew!

The top of Pillar Rock, with  Pillar proper casting it's shadow.

Honestly, I turn my back for a minute and he's gone!

Ha Ha, that's slowed him up a bit.

Nearing the summit, we get a good view of Ennerdale Water.

The trig point on the fairly flat summit.

Heading back down to Wasdale in the distance. Kirk Fell in front of us.

The dark form of Great Gable protruding up in the background and the disappearing form of Michael in the middle distance.
Pillar itself is a mere 2942 ft. Our total ascent was a more respectable 3550 ft and a distance of 9 miles, arriving back at the car at 3. O. Clock. Thanks Michael for a great walk.