Honister Via Ferrata – an adventurous climbing experience in the Lake District 

Honister Via Ferrata, nestled in the rugged terrain of the Lake District in Cumbria, England, offers an adventurous climbing experience that combines the thrill of mountaineering with the scenic beauty of the Lake District. Situated at the historic Honister Slate Mine, at Honister Pass, this via ferrata (Italian for “iron path”) provides a unique opportunity to scale steep rock faces using a network of steel cables, rungs, and ladders. The route’s design ensures safety while allowing participants to experience the exhilaration of high-altitude climbing.

The Honister Via Ferrata offers two distinct routes: the Classic and the Extreme. The Classic route is perfect for beginners and families, providing a thrilling yet manageable ascent with stunning views of the surrounding fells and valleys. The Extreme route, on the other hand, is tailored for more experienced adventurers, featuring more challenging sections, including vertical climbs and exposed traverses. Both routes offer a unique perspective of the Lake District’s dramatic landscape, where climbers can enjoy panoramic views of craggy mountains, verdant hillsides, and serene lakes that stretch out below.

Beyond the physical challenge, Honister Via Ferrata is steeped in history and natural beauty. The climb takes participants through areas rich in Lake District mining heritage, with remnants of the slate mining industry visible along the route, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. As you navigate the rugged terrain, you are treated to a sensory feast of sights and sounds unique to the Lake District and is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts who like a thrill!

HONISTER VIA FERRATA – FAQ

Honister Slate Mine is located at the top of Honister Pass in the Lake District. It is accessible by car, with parking available on-site (free if you have booked onto Honister Via Ferrata. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most convenient way to reach the site.

The Honister Slate Mine itself has a visitor center, café, and shop where you can learn more about the area’s mining history. It’s also a good base for walks in the area – such as Fleetwith Pike.

Above is a photo I took by drone which shows the sheer rock face you will be navigating up!

PHOTOS OF OUR HONISTER VIA FERRATA XTREME ADVENTURE:

Our gang looking a little apprehensive before our adventure. We opted for the Xtreme Honister Via Ferrata route and to be honest we didnt quite know what to expect – so hopefully these photos give you a bit more of a clue. Onec eyou are fully harnessed up and briefed you jump on the orange bus to the rock face. Spot the bus below! 

I thought it would be all uphill climbing – but the first section is actually downhill – so over the edge you go and down the ladders – in at the deep end and it’s quite exposed! You actually do the Honister Via Ferrata in sections – having a little rest in between the 3 climbing sections. This first part I think is to see who is up to it and I’m told some drop out here! It was a little nerve racking going over the edge – but I found everything after this point easier – I guess you just get used to it. Most of the via Ferrata is uphill too which is easier.

At all points you are clipped in to the safety wire which tracks the full route – so severe falls are not something that can happen – you do feel very safe. I also think you don’t notice the exposure as you are that concentrated on your hands and feet!

This was my favourite section – tricky as you have to navigate down an overhang and then alomg a sher rock face – but you feel very competent at this stage. From here you are then onto the wire bridge – all good fun! 

The wire bridge can feel wobbly in parts – but if you widen your arms and push the hand rails out the bridge becomes more taught and stable.

You get epic views on the Xtreme Honister Via Ferrata route

Your guide is with you every step of teh way and even takes photos of the group which you can buy digital copies of once you are finished and back at the Honister slate mine vistor centre.

Once the climbing is done – you follow old mining routes through tunnels and paths to get to the top of the fell near Fleetwith Pike

We didnt know you actually made it up to the excelelnt viewpoint near the summit of Fleetwith Pike – so you get chance to see one of the Lake Districts best views looking down over Buttermere and Crummock Water and towards the famous Lake District fells of Haystacks and Mellbreak. After admiring the views it’s then a slow jaunt back down on easy footpatsh to Honister Slate Mine. All in all the adventure took around 3 hours and we absolutely loved it and I would highly recommend it if you have a head for heads and like a challenge.