#pillar-high-man-a-lakeland-classic

New West Climb - Pillar High Man

Pillar High Man - A Lakeland Classic

For years now I’ve been guiding people to the summit of Pillar High Man. Mostly this has been for regular and very accomplished hill-walkers who are in need of just a little help with the short but wonderful rock climb to reach the top.

Typically we approach from Wasdale Head as this allows us to follow all of the ‘High level route’ to Robinson’s Cairn and on to Pisgah. As footpaths go, this is up there with the very best. Exposed at times and needs a head for heights and careful footwork, but all in a days outing for a regular hill-walker.

I’ve no idea how many times I’ve followed this path or how many times I’ve stood on the summit of High Man. A lot. Yet every time is special and unique. Every time is a little different. I think I could visit a thousand times and these feelings would remain. It is that amazing.

So about 18 months ago we were contacted by David from Whitehaven and he was keen to reach the summit of High Man. He was clear from the outset, a good weather day was what he wanted for this. So we waited, we postponed, delayed. I think for both us us this was a frustrating process at times. But some things are well worth the wait.

We had a date in May pencilled in the diary and the weather was finally playing ball. We were on. However, there was to be a twist. My good friend Kim was visiting from Devon and was also keen to sample the delights of Pillar. Further to this, I had just one of the Lakeland Classic Climbs left to do and this was ‘New West Climb’ on Pillar. So May 9th was to be a combined day of work and play. David being very happy to see himself back to Wasdale after the climb. Me and Kim on a mission to climb a ultra classic route on this majestic mountain.

The walk in that morning had been quicker than usual, sorry David and Kim. We all cruised up Slab & Notch to reach the summit of High Man. David & Kim lounged around on the summit for a while whilst I busied myself setting up the abseil descent and taking photos. It was sunbathing weather up there too!

After the abseil into Jordan Gap, we scrambled up and over Pisgah and this led back to our bags and some well earned lunch. We bid David farewell and set off to find New West Climb. This was straightforward as I’d climbed its neighbour ‘Rib & Slab’ last October.

5 pitches of varied and mostly straightforward climbing saw us visit some sensational places with unbelievable exposure. Only the chimney pitch saw me having a moan. Everything else was utterly gorgeous. The rock on Pillar is extremely high quality.

To summarise the day. For David this was to be a milestone and major achievement. For Kim, her first time climbing on the mighty Pillar Rock. And for me, finishing the Lakeland classic climbs whilst seeing the enjoyment in my climbing partners that day. Not sure if days get better than this.

We walked back via the summit of Pillar and enjoyed late afternoon light in Mosedale. Kim then treated me to a big dinner at The Wasdale Head Inn before we drove home.

Here’s what David had to say on our Facebook page:

'Had a fantastic day yesterday with Mark from Mountain Journeys and friend Kim who took me on a guided ascent of Pillar Rock. Despite being 71 years old, with 2 hip replacements and never having climbed before, ( me that is, not Mark!) Mark got me safely up and back down again without any problems at all. Everything

was done very professionally at all times and I had every confidence in the set up. I would recommend Mountain Journeys to anyone thinking about about a guided climb on Pillar Rock, or any of the many other outdoor activities that they offer.'

If you’re wanting a guided ascent of High Man please do check out what we offer here.

And if planning a trip to Devon and wanting to high quality climbing days/instruction please check out Kim's website - Walk Climb Dartmoor

Thanks for reading.

Mark

#robinsons-cairn-pillar