This challenging walk involves a vertical ascent of over 800m so will test the stamina of most walkers. But it's well worth the effort because few places in the Lake District have views that can compete with those offered from the Pillar summit.
OSM map layer · LineString
54.49, -3.26 · rel 19553644
54.49, -3.26 · rel 19553644
Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head, North Lakes Outdoors
A 13,3 km loop walk through alpine terrain and mountains in Cumbria.
Loop walk
start = finish · Cumbria
13,3km
Distance
demanding
Climb · estimate
easy
Difficulty · estimate
loop
Shape
27
views
01 · Character of the route
Is this one for you?
Alpine Terrain
Mountains
Urban Area
Summit
Remote
Uncrowded
compiled from map data (OSM) and points of interest along the route — no editorial layer
02 · The story
What makes this route special
03 · 5 points along the route
What will you encounter?
2× monument
3× summit
Fell And Rock Climbing Club
monument ·
168 m off route
0,0 km
0%
Pillar
summit ·
on the route
13,3 km
100%
Looking Stead
summit ·
103 m off route
13,3 km
100%
Pillar Rock
summit ·
268 m off route
13,3 km
100%
Robinson's Cairn
monument ·
465 m off route
13,3 km
100%
04 · Elevation profile
How tough is this route?
elevation range
76 m
–
881 m
0 km
6,7 km
13,3 km
05 · Landmarks
Steady waypoints
Start
78 m elevation
Quarter of the way
301 m elevation
Halfway
784 m elevation
Three quarters
335 m elevation
Finish
78 m elevation
06 · Intersecting routes
Where you meet other trails
07 · From the trail
Through the eyes of hikers
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08 ·
no reports yet
What hikers experienced
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09 · Before you go
Answers to common questions
Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head, North Lakes Outdoors is 13.3 km long.
At an average walking pace, Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head, North Lakes Outdoors takes approximately 3h 20min to complete.
Yes, Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head, North Lakes Outdoors is a round walk that starts and finishes at the same point — no return transport needed.
Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head, North Lakes Outdoors starts at Wasdale Head Village Green, Wasdale, Cumberland, CA20 1EX;NY 1868 0852.
Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head, North Lakes Outdoors is a moderate hike suitable for walkers with a basic level of fitness.
Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head, North Lakes Outdoors is maintained and managed by National Trust.