Activity Overview
If you’re looking for a challenge, why not try Via Ferrata in the Lake District? Honister slate mine is home to the UK’s first Via Ferrata and offers three routes of varying difficulty. All three routes provide a fantastic opportunity to sample exposure usually only experienced through climbing and mountaineering.
To start this activity we kit you up with a harness, helmet, and a set of Via Ferrata lanyards which we use to clip to a steel cable that provides our safety system. Depending on the chosen route, we make progress up the exposed northern flanks of Fleetwith Pike or within its labyrinth of tunnels and caverns.
Via Ferrata originated in the Dolomites (Northern Italy) and literally means ‘iron path’. They were used strategically by the military for moving soldiers and munitions through the mountains during the First World War. Their legacy has left an array of challenging and exciting routes and thus recreational Via Ferrata was born.
The Via Ferrata at Honister also provides great insight into slate mining and the rich industrial history of the area which is thought to date back to Roman times. All three routes start after a section of mine tunnels and roughly follow the old mine workings.
Essential Details
- Minimum age: 10 years/Minimum height: 1m 30cm
- Safety equipment provided
- A reasonable level of fitness required
- Prices from £60 per person*
- Based on a minimum group size of four.
Please Note: Our prices are in line with Honister who stipulate the cost.
Honister Classic Via Ferrata
The Classic Via Ferrata roughly follows the old miner’s incline. Iron ‘staples’ and sections of ladders have been installed to make progress easier. This route starts with a relatively easy section which gives you a taste of what it’s all about.
- Find out more about this activity: Honister Classic Via Ferrata
Honister Extreme Via Ferrata
The Extreme route shares the same start as the Classic route, but then it crosses the Burma Bridge (wire bridge). It then takes a tenuous line up the rocky ridge on the other side, with a section of cargo net to finish.
- Find out more about this activity: Honister Extreme Via Ferrata
Climb in the Mine
Climb in the Mine is essentially a subterranean Via Ferrata that explores some of the vast tunnels and caverns within the mine itself and is a great option if the weather outside is unsuitable for either of the external routes.
- Find out more about this activity: Climb in the Mine
How long does it take and how many can participate?
Honister Classic Via Feratta and Climb in the Mine both take approximately 2 – 2.5 hours. Honister Extreme Via Ferrata takes approximately 3-3.5 hours. Up to ten people can participate.
How to book
Tell us your preferred dates, your experience and what you would like to do. We require a 30% deposit to secure private bookings, with full payment before your course or activity starts.
Enquire about your plans · Booking information
Check it out on our YouTube Channel
Activity Details
Private Bookings Only
Minimum age: 10 years/Minimum height: 1m 30cm
No previous experience necessary
Reasonable level of fitness and a head for heights required
Three different routes to choose from
Prices from £60 per person*
