Yewbarrow and Pillar Circle

Lake District National Park

Climb several notable Lake District Peaks in one day: Yewbarrow, Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Pillar.

Hiking Extreme

Distance: 17 km
Ascent: 1.2 km
Descent: 1.2 km
Duration: 5-6 hrs

Low Point: 61 m
High Point: 888 m
Gradient: 23˚

A long and enjoyable route with mixed terrain and stunning views (on a clear day). Plus the all important pub conveniently located at the end!

Kirk Fell from Wasdale Head Photo: Akuppa John Wigham

Wastwater from Yewbarrow Photo: Sheffield Tiger

Bleaberry Tarn from Red Pike Photo: Peer Lawther

Wasdale from somewhere between Pillar and Black Sail pass Photo: michael warren

Description

Either start at Wasdale head (or the campsite as marked on the route card) and follow the road down to the car park for Dropping crag, or start at the car park itself. Follow the footpath.

Scramble up through Bell Rib (there are easy routes, you have to look for them!)

Follow the path along the top to Yewbarrow. This can be obscured in low cloud, so be sure to set your compass bearings to the trig point on the map.

Scramble easily down Stirrup Crag to drop on to a dip between Yewbarrow and the rising ground towards Red Pike.

Walk up the fairly steep incline to Red Pike. It's quite rocky in places so the footpath may be hard to spot. Make sure you use compass bearings set from the OS map.

Continue across to Scoat Fell, set your bearings from the trig point at Red Pike to be sure to find the summit easily.

Continue around the head of the valley to Wind Gap and then to Pillar.

From Pillar, drop down towards Black Sail Pass and enjoy the stunning views down the valley to Wasdale Head.

From Black Sail Pass the path is easy to follow and gently drops down to the back of the inn. Stop here for a well earned pint! Follow the road back to your start point (either the campsites or car parks) or take the footpath to the campsite as marked on the route card (can be flooded after heavy rain, so if in doubt, take the road).

Difficulty

Extreme

Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".