Honister via Ferrata & Infinity Bridge
Honister Slate Mine: Via Ferrata & Infinity Bridge
Honister Pass, CA12 5XN, Cumbria
If you’re looking for a serious adrenaline fix in the Lake District, this is it. Located at the summit of Honister Pass, this is England’s last working slate mine, but it’s evolved into a massive outdoor playground for anyone who doesn’t mind heights.
The Experience
There are two main ways to tackle the mountain here:
- Via Ferrata Classic: This follows the old miners’ paths. It’s a great introduction to the world of “iron roads,” using metal staples and ladders fixed to the rock. It’s exhilarating but manageable for most active people.
- Via Ferrata Xtreme: This is the one people talk about. It’s much more vertical, featuring edge-of-your-seat scrambles and exposed cliff faces.
- The Infinity Bridge: Often part of the experience or booked separately, this is a wire bridge suspended over 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is high, it is bouncy, and the views down the valley toward Buttermere are absolutely world-class.
Practical Bits & Tips
- Time: You’ll usually spend about 3 hours on the Via Ferrata. If you add the Infinity Bridge or a mine tour, you can easily make a full day of it.
- Age & Height: For the Via Ferrata, participants generally need to be at least 10 years old and a minimum of 1m 30cm tall. The Xtreme version is better suited to older teens and adults with a bit of grit.
- Budgeting: This isn’t a “cheap” day out, but many visitors find the thrill worth the investment. Keep an eye out for Blue Light discounts or early bird slots which sometimes offer better rates.
- Parking: There is a car park on-site at the summit. It can get busy, so arriving early is a smart move.
- Food & Drink: There is a small café on-site serving “proper” Cumbrian filling food like pasties and cake. However, it can get pricey for a whole family, so bringing a packed lunch to eat while looking out over the pass is a popular (and scenic) alternative.
Visitor Wisdom
Wear sturdy boots and bring layers—even if it’s sunny in Keswick, it can be windy and freezing at the top of the pass! Also, many people recommend bringing fingerless climbing gloves if you have them, as gripping the cold iron cables all day can be tough on the hands.
Make a Day of It
Since you’re already at the top of the pass, you’re in a prime spot for more exploring. You could combine this with a drive down to Buttermere for a much flatter, gentler lakeside walk to “come down” from the adrenaline. If you need a proper celebratory drink or meal afterwards, the village of Rosthwaite is just down the road and has some lovely traditional pubs.