Lake District Climb the Mine
Climb the Mine at Honister Pass
Climb the Mine - the only underground Via Ferrata in the Lakes!
And now for something completely different... an underground climbing adventure course!
You must be a minimum 1.3m tall and 10 years+
Set in the Lake District, high on the side of Honister Pass and above the beautiful valley of Buttermere, 30min drive from Keswick this is a truly unique climbing experience. We highly recommend this activity for groups seeking excitement and something a little out of the ordinary. If you find GoApe a bit tame... this is for you!
Climb the Mine is a completely unique experience that can be found nowhere else in the country! Set inside the Honister slate mine, one of the few operational slate mines in Britain, Climb the Mine is an underground adrenaline filled adventure course travelling deep underground a Lake District mountain. Tackle the steep ladders, wire bridges, Tarzan swing, zip wire .... and have a whole lot of fun!
Is Climb the Mine dangerous?
Based on the same system as the outside Via Ferrata course, you are connected to a steel safety cable as you tackle the activity. Before you start, your instructor will explain the simple safety system to you, and help settle any nerves. You will have a practice, whilst still safely on the floor!
Activity Summary
Minimum
10 Years & 1.3m tall
3 Hours
From £60pp
What is it?
Climb the Mine @ Honister Slate Mine, Keswick
A Unique, Adrenaline-Filled Adventure in the Heart of the Lake District
Discover one of the Lake District’s most thrilling adventure experiences at Honister Slate Mine’s Climb the Mine. Hidden deep inside Fleetwith Pike, this fully-guided adventure takes you through historic underground passages, vertical climbs and exposed ladders as you follow the original routes once used by Victorian slate miners. Combining the excitement of a via ferrata with the atmosphere of a real working mine, Climb the Mine is an unforgettable challenge for families, thrill-seekers and adventure lovers of all ages.
What Is Climb the Mine?
Climb the Mine is a unique underground via ferrata experience where you’ll scale rock walls, cross iron ladders, navigate narrow tunnels and take on high-level challenges in a spectacular subterranean world. Safely harnessed and clipped to a fixed cable system, you’ll explore Honister’s incredible mining network with expert instructors leading the way.
This immersive adventure blends history, geology and adrenaline, offering a rare chance to step into the past while testing your nerve and sense of adventure. It’s an ideal activity for those seeking a weather-proof Lake District experience—rain or shine, the excitement lies underground.
Highlights of the Climb the Mine Experience
- Underground via ferrata challenge through atmospheric mine tunnels
- Thrilling vertical climbs and metal ladders suspended high above cavern floors
- Interactive exploration of historic slate-mining passages
- Professional instructors on hand throughout for safety and guidance
- All equipment provided including harnesses, helmets and lanyards
- Suitable for families, groups and anyone up for an adventure
Why Choose Climb the Mine at Honister?
Set high on the iconic Honister Pass near Keswick, Honister Slate Mine is one of the most dramatic adventure locations in the Lake District. Climb the Mine offers:
- A completely unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the UK
- A safe and controlled environment ideal for first-time climbers
- Stunning views of Buttermere, Borrowdale and Fleetwith Pike before and after your adventure
- An all-weather activity, perfect for rainy Lake District days
- Ideal for team-building, school trips and corporate groups
Who Can Take Part?
Climb the Mine is suitable for a wide range of abilities. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, and participants must meet the age / height requirements (typically suited for older children, teens and adults). It’s a brilliant activity for families, adventurous couples, stag / hen parties or anyone looking to try something new in the Lakes.
Location – Honister Slate Mine, Keswick
Located at the summit of the breathtaking Honister Pass, the climb begins where the Lake District’s striking landscapes meet the region’s rich industrial heritage. Just a short drive from Keswick, Honister is easily accessible while still offering the sense of stepping deep into a hidden world.
Book Your Climb the Mine Experience
Ready to take on one of the Lake District’s most exhilarating underground adventures?
Book your Climb the Mine experience today and uncover the dramatic history and pure adrenaline that makes Honister one of Cumbria’s top must-do adventure locations.
You must be a minimum 1.3m tall and 10 years+
Typical Itinerary
9.30am
Meet up at Honister slate mine, 30 min drive from Keswick, kit up with harnesses and helmets.
9.45am
Walk into the honister slate mine, don't lose the leader!
10.00am
Safety briefing and practice, then climb the vertical walls and challenging rope bridge.
11.30am
Emerge back outside with breathtaking views over Buttermere.
12.00pm
Walk back to the Honister Slate mine, relax, and tick an amazing Lake District mountain experience!
Book Now
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Looking for Something Similar?
If the lack of sunlight is putting you off, but you like the sound of the activity, the outdoor Via Ferrata Xtreme course could well be for you! Still with plenty of adventure, ladders, bridges and rock, the route is set high above amazing Honister Pass. Yet another unforgettable Lake District experience!
You must be a minimum 1.3m tall and 10 years+ for the Xtreme experience.
