Honister Slate Mine Via Ferrata Xtreme
It’s been a couple of years since I did the Via Ferrata Xtreme at Honister Slate mine and stumbling across the photographs recently, it occurred to me I haven’t ever reviewed it. So here’s my thoughts on a group trip to Honister Slate mine and the incredibly fun Via Ferrata Xtreme activity available there.
In a nutshell, this was a 5 star experience for me. I really enjoyed it and I think it’s well laid out and organised with the right balance of fun and thrills. If you don’t like heights, you’ll have a bad day. But for those who get their kicks from adrenalin at heights, this will be a really enjoyable activity to take part in. More details follow within this pot.
But first, let’s take a look at the key information for visitors to Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District.
Honister location
You'll find Honister Slate Mine on the Honister Pass new Keswick in the Lake District. Postcode is CA12 5XN
Parking
There's a decent amount of parking at Honister Slate Mine. Parking is not free, however. It is billed at £5 per day.
pricing
At the time of writing (July 2025) the Via Ferrata XTreme starts at £65 and don't forget to allow £5 for parking. When I went you could also buy a photo package but I can't find current details for this now.
Via Ferrata XTreme – What a Day!
It was a morning adventure for us, arriving early and being briefed on the day to come. Kit on, a ride up to the start point and we were quickly on our way.
Most of the group was made up of the group I was with, with a couple of others too.
Much of the session is spent traversing and climbing up and down cliff faces a bit like this:
But there’s a climbing net area too and, of course, the crux of the day for many, the Infinity Bridge.
The Infinity Bridge, as shown in the photo above, is a wire bridge with two wires as handles. It’s high and, naturally, incredibly exposed. But I felt really comfortable that my equipment would keep me safe and actually really did very much enjoy the bridge crossing.
So, how was the day? Well, let’s take a look.
The Good Stuff
It's fun!
This is a hugely fun day for people who enjoy active outdoor adventures and are comfortable with heights. It's memorable experience.
Value
I think £65 represents really decent value for this activity when you consider what it costs to do many activities these days. I think the pricing is relatively accessible and it does include so much.
surprisingly family friendly
I love the fact that this is something people of such varied ages and body types can do. It's available from age 10 (subject to a minimum height of 1.3m and weight of 30kg). So kids with an adrenaline seeking side can enjoy this too and there are plenty of other activities other children can be doing at the same time if they're not old enough or don't want to take part in the Via Ferrata. That would take 2 adults though, as children under 16 must have an adult with them on the Via Ferrata, understandably. But this is a family friendly location and despite the fact I went with an adult group, I would revisit with the kids.
on site cafe
The on side cafe was brilliant. Top notch bacon butty and coffee stop after the Via Ferrata XTreme.
The Could Be Better Stuff
location access
Not much they can do about the location of the place! But bear in mind that it's pretty hard work to get here by public transport. The 77 bus runs from Keswick but takes about an hour - and you'll need to get to Keswick first!
Parking
Considering how difficult it is to access the spot by public transport, it always feels a bit naff to incur a parking fee at an attraction you'll be spending money in. £5 isn't the end of the world, of course. But it always feels a bit "meh."
Honister Slate Mine Via Ferrata XTreme Rating
It’s a 5 star for me!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly, a great day out.
Would I go again?
Yes. I plan to revisit with my eldest son.
Is the Via Ferrata Suitable for Children?
Yes. They can take part from age 10+ but I would say if they’re afraid of heights they wouldn’t enjoy it.
Is it scary?
This is totally subjective. I found it enjoyable. Others even in the group I was with clearly weren’t enjoying it as much (though did appear to enjoy the sense of accomplishment on completing it). So it will depend on your personal tolerance for heights and exposure.
How fit do you need to be?
You’ll need at least a moderate level of fitness in my view. Aside from the Via Ferrata itself, there is a walk at the end which is up hill initially before descending. So you’ll need to be fit enough for that and fit enough to carry out the Via Ferrata itself. If you’re a hill hiker, you’ve probably got what you need!
