This was the original Via Ferrata established at Honister and was also the first ever in the UK. Though physically the easiest of the three options, it is nevertheless an exciting scramble and the thrill of the exposure presents the main challenge. We take the original miners route onto the mountain and follow an easy rock traverse to reach an exposed gully called Bull Gill. This is the most challenging part of the route and involves an upward traverse across a slightly overhanging stretch of rock. Long ago, the miners would use this steep gill to dispose of unusable rock from deep within the caverns of Honister. Having tackled this exciting section, we then balance tentatively across a small steel bridge and climb up a steep but short section of rock, before continuing more easily up the old incline. We walk past some old mountainside huts and drum houses, before passing through a large mined tunnel in the cliff to gain the summit. Once standing jubilantly on top, we are rewarded with one of the most beautiful and dramatic views in the Lake District.
Suitable For: This activity is achievable for all those with an average level of fitness and a bit of a head for heights! It will take pprox 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and children must be aged 10+ years and over 1.3m tall.
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PRICE LIST
£45.00 per person
Family discounts available on request
RESTRICTIONS
min 2 people
+10yrs
over 1.3m tall
19stone max
-18yrs must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
WHAT
TO BRING
Warm Clothes​
Waterproof Jacket and Trouser
Strong footwear with good grip
Warm/Windproof Gloves
Woolly/Warm Hat
A snack
Any medication you may need
DURATION
Half Day
3 Hours
Can be part of a full day
9am - 4pm
WHATS
PROVIDED
Qualified Instructor
Harness
via ferrata lanyards
Helmet with a torch
A few photos of you tour
getting there
From Keswick, you take the B5289 (the Borrowdale Road) all the way to the top of Honister Pass, roughly a 45 minute drive. You will pass through Rosthwaite and Seatoller before driving up the steep mountain pass to get to the Mine. There is a spacious carpark at the top of the pass, which is free to customers.