June 2013 - Ascent from Gatesgarth. Could hardly contain my excitement about today’s walk as I love Pillar and the Shamrock Traverse. I ascended quickly to Scarth Gap and descended into Ennerdale to the Memorial Bridge, eager to ascend Pillar the way AW stated was the finest route. It was extremely steep and tough going, the path just about discernible, and the views of Pillar Rock were majestic. This ascent is a world away from the rest of the Lakes, isolated and a tremendous mixture of intimidating rock and boisterous gills. I rested at Robinson’s Cairn and took in the view-simply awesome! From there it was the traverse to Pillar Rock and the scramble to the summit. Pillar Rock was the dominating feature of this walk and I was privileged to enjoy it alone and have it all to myself. From the summit, the Scafells were beautiful (with snow in the gullies – what’s going on? It’s June!) and I decided to go on to Steeple via Scoat Fell. Great to see Wasdale again and on the summit of Steeple I enjoyed lunch. On Long Crag, I encountered Keltiejack, fellow AW Society member. I recognised his dog, Topsie! We spoke for a while, before I descended again into Ennerdale, and took the forestry track back to the bridge before the leg burner over Scarth Gap once again. As I arrived back from the peace of Ennerdale, I was greeted by the booming music of the camp site at Hassness…not my cup of tea! A fantastic walk!