Lake District Via Ferrata
The Lake District Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine
For a quick adrenaline fix it is difficult to beat a trip across the UK's original Via Ferrata!
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 mountain 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!
We also offer the 'Climb in the Mine' activity- an underground Via Ferrata course! If heights are not your strong point, but you enjoy the physical challenge of climbing, then have a look at this brand new activity. We also offer this as a back up if the weather is poor on the outside Via Ferrata course - although you are more than welcome to brave the conditions if you want too!
What does Via Ferrata mean?
Meaning 'Iron Way' in English the multi-award winning Honister Via Ferrata is a series of challenging exposed scrambles linked by metal ladders, wire bridges and a huge cargo net leading to one of the finest viewpoints in the Lake District, the top of Fleetwith Pike. Born out of the First World War, where early Via Ferrata were used to move troops across the Dolomites, they have evolved from the early rope and iron pegs into a safe and fantastic way of tackling a mountain peak.
Activity Summary
10 Years+
1.3m+
3 Hours
From £65pp
What is it?
There are 2 Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine, the classic which follows a natural line up the side of the mountain; or the more intense 'eXtreme' trip, which involves crossing a ravine by a Burma Bridge before ascending a series of walls and slabs to reach the top of the mountain. We always aim to complete the eXtreme trip, as with our low ratios and experienced guides, we find most people enjoy the added adventure of this version of the activity. A decent level of fitness and a good head for heights are prerequisites for this outdoor climbing experience, although there is nothing wrong with a few nerves! Our instructors will explain how to use the equipment and will guide you throughout the Via Ferrata route, helping and encouraging you as necessary. They will also take photos of your group along the route, making great memories as you tackle the rock, ladders and bridge of this classic Keswick group adventure.
You must be a minimum 1.3m tall and 10 years+ for this activity.
Is the Via Ferrata Dangerous?
Clipping into a steel cable which follows the route ensures your safety across the Via Ferrata and allows you to enjoy the committing moves and exposure as you work your way up the mountainside, with the stunning Honister Pass laid out under your feet! Your Via Ferrata equipment - a high tech shock absorber - connects your harness to the cable, meaning you just have a little dangle at the worst - certainly an experience you will remember! You will also learn a little history of the area, and how the early miners hollowed out the mountain.
The process of Via Ferrata was copied by Go Ape - if you have already enjoyed swinging in the trees, you'll LOVE this!
Typical Itinerary
9.30am
Meet up at Honister, Kit up with harnesses, helmets and receive a safety briefing from your guide.
9.45am
Walk into the base of the Via Ferrata, through the first mine level.
10.00am
Climb the rock face in wonderfully exposed situations, before tackling the ladders and bridge on the rest of the extreme route.
11.45am
Reach Fleetwith Pike with breath taking views over Buttermere.
12.00pm
Walk back to the Honister Slate mine, relax and tick the Xtreme course!
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Looking for Something Similar?
If the height is putting you off, but you like the sound of the Via Ferrata activity, the Climb in the Mine version could well be for you! Still with plenty of adventure, ladders, bridges and rock, the route is set in the amazing underground world of the old slate mine.
You must be a minimum 1.3m tall and 10 years+ for the climb the mine course.
