You can now ascend the dizzying route to the top of Honister Slate Mine, climbing England’s only via ferrata (“iron road”). This is an Italian-inspired cable system, common in the Dolomites for dangerous accents, to which you are securely attached with a rope and harness.
For the inveterate thrill seeker, this offers a daring new activity. You climb stairs, cross a narrow bridge made from a couple of old railway lines, bend over old mine shafts and look out over the towering mountains of the Lake District, as you ascend 1800 feet of old mines to the top of Fleetwith Pike.
Opened a couple of years ago, the Lake District via ferrata has been an incredible hit with adventure-seeking hikers and more adventurous tourists. All expeditions from Honister are fully guided and you must wear a lifeguard mining helmet with a headlamp.
Mark Weir, the owner, the end product of a long line of Honister miners, says, “I just wanted to take the everyday man out of his comfort zone into something different. It’s definitely adrenaline pumping with added natural beauty… ..and has proven popular with both walkers and families looking for memories of a lifetime.” Well, there’s no danger of forgetting about your trip, with views you’d normally only get on a plane!
The ascent is slow, but the thrill comes quickly, from sheer drops and jaw-dropping views to a sense of accomplishment and awe at the engineering feats of the Victorian days. At one point, you scramble up the cliff face and find yourself hanging over the edge. And to complete the thrill, a narrow bridge spans a 300 meter drop!
There is no better way to see the lakes and streams of the Lake District than via ferrata. Kids 10 and over 4 feet 7 inches tall can go, with adults who are reasonably fit. Visit the website at honister-slate-mine.co.uk/via_ferrata.asp
Another great activity in the Lake District is mountain biking. For mountain bikers, there is currently a very special purpose-built trail in Grizedale Forest, run by the forestry commission – it has many unique routes, boardwalks and beams.
Grizedale also has very smooth and easy firebreaks along with some older tracks, with a bouldering and technical aspect. There is a track leading out of the woods onto the splendor of Bethecar Moor. If you take this route, you’ll see some really great views before you have to focus on a quick descent where jagged, slippery rocks await.
Bicycling is allowed on any trail or trail classified as a bypass or bridle path, which is plentiful around the lakes, although it is helpful to choose the best and most suitable. Fortunately, websites like Mountain Bike Cumbria provide all the information you need.
One of the best centers for Lakes mountain biking is Staveley in southeast Lakes; A big benefit is that it’s on the railway to Windermere and has a great bike shop and great cafe. Some bike trails start here, with moderate loops around the Kentmere Valley and the extreme Garburn Pass – only recommended for the true expert!
Some Lake Mountains have trails over the highest peaks, a skill called mountain biking. You have to prepare for big climbs and long pushes, but the rewards are immense! There are long “top-of-the-world” bike trails traversing miles along the majestic crests of the Helvellyn mountain range, as well as a truly breathtaking descent along the Skiddaw flank, voted the best cycling route. decline in Britain.
Back o’Skiddaw, as it’s known around here, has lonely and wild trails, but even around the gentler edges of the Lake District, the trails can be just as steep and entertaining. But as challenging as mountain biking in the Lake District can be, you’re never far from the friendly local pub or relaxing bed and breakfast.