What to expect from an Honister Slate Mine All Day Pass

As our bus trundles up the potholed road, I try not to think about the perilous fate which awaits. A traverse across the valley, clinging desperately to two steel cables whilst my feet inch nervously across another cable barely an inch wide. When I asked Jason to buy me memories for Christmas, this was not what I had in mind. Despite some severe hints on my part, I thought he might just opt for the Via Ferrata Classic. But no! He obviously felt that a 2.5 journey to the Lakes warranted something far more hard core. So instead of a few exhilarating hours, I find myself facing the prospect of an entire day of heart thumping adrenaline- The Honister Slate Mine all day pass includes a traverse of the death-defying Infinity Bridge, before moving onto the Extreme Via Ferrata. It finishes off with a cool down in a nearby canyon.

The Honister Slater Mine All Day Pass

As we clamber off the bus to start our adventure, our guide Heather beckons us to one side and explains the plan of action. For our Honister Slate Mine all day pass, we start on the Infinity Bridge, move on to the Via Ferrata Extreme and finish with a spot of Canyoning further down the valley. Thankfully we visit when the famous drizzle the Lake District is renowned for is nowhere to be seen. Brilliant blue skies drench the mine in warming sun rays painting the valley in idyllic hues. At least we do not have to contend with the prospect of rain and cold.

The Honister Mine Infinity Bridge

It is almost a relief when I finally set eyes on the Honister Pass Infinity Bridge as it is not spanning the entire valley but instead crosses a 250 metre abyss from one crag to another high above the Honister Pass.

We attach our carabiners to the cables and Heather guides us with encouraging words. Slowly, we inch across the cable, enjoying the view but attempting to focus all our energy on the task and minimizing energy use. Initially the ground is a mere few metres below but as we near the chasm, it drops away steeply and soon we are hanging in thin air high above the valley. The cable sways gently in the wind as Jason and I inch across slowly, the sole adventurers taking on the challenge. We make it across safely, and with slightly shaking legs, touch down on solid ground.

Honister Slate Mine Via Ferrata

Originally used during the First World War as an ingenious way to move troops and equipment across the mountains, Via Ferrata is a series of metal rails and ladders which navigate a mountain trail. Climbers clip onto a series of cables to clamber across otherwise impassable cliffs and ledges.

Via Ferrata options

At Honister Slate Mine, you can opt for the Via Ferrata Classic, a beginners introduction to Via Ferrata. Or, you can terrify your other half and book on the Via Ferrata Extreme.

The Extreme route is a series of iron steps and ladders which climb up a steep crag to spectacular views from the summit. This course includes overhangs, The Burma Bridge and Sky Ladder. You will definitely feel the adrenaline pumping as you climb to the top.

Via Ferrata Extreme

Needless to say Jason opted for the Via Ferrata Extreme but it seems like a walk in the park after the abyss of the Infinity Bridge and we eagerly strap on to descend the first ladders. The course is relatively easy to follow with a few sections which may leave your legs feeling a little like jelly. At one point, you descend into a steep corridor nestled between two crags and have to ease yourself backwards as the ladders overhang. I cling to the ladder, keen to avoid knocks and bruises. It leads to the shorter Sky Bridge which is the most terrifying part of the whole experience. Less stable than the Infinity Bridge, it sways perilously in the wind and I have visions of tumbling into thin air.

Via Ferrata Extreme Sky Bridge

As other climbers ease onto the ladder behind you, it bounces and lurches threatening to catapult you off. I feel my legs start to wobble and try to focus on the end of the cable instead of telling Jason off for rocking the bridge.

Later, as we edge up a steep crag with a large drop below, gravity threatens to pull us from the Via Ferrata and it is a relief when I clamber over the top rung onto solid ground. I sit to admire the view, feet dangling over the edge, waiting for Jason to join me. Yay, I survived.

All too soon, we reach the end of the Via Ferrata Extreme, tired and aching from the exertion of fighting gravity and our nerves. And it is still only lunchtime!! We hike through an old mine tunnel beneath the mountain and pop up on top of the crag greeted by superb views over the Lakes. After admiring the scenery we slowly walk to the base to enjoy our lunches before our afternoon activity.

Honister Slate Mine Canyoning

The Canyoning takes place in a narrow gorge some miles further down the pass. Clad in wetsuits, drysuit bibs, life jackets and helmets we traipse up the path from the road to the entry point. It’s pretty crowded with some large groups so we quickly jump in to acclimatize to the frigid water before our first slides.

Over the course of the next hour we slide, jump, belly flop and scramble over rocks and waterfalls (and occasionally over the river bank if it looks a bit hairy!). It’s good fun, if not a little nerve wracking. The river drifts rapidly through narrow gullies and little waterfalls and can be quite forceful in parts but we make it through safely but not very gracefully!

Final thoughts

We successfully end our day in one piece, tired and aching but buzzing from the experience. It’s an energy sapping day but one that leaves you with a true sense of accomplishment. The Honister Slate Mine All Day Pass is a great way to experience the delights of Honister regardless of prior experience. You have a dedicated guide for your group for the entire day. This means that you can move at your own pace (subject to others on the trail) but also allows for some dedicated support for even the most nervous adventurers. Whilst it is certainly not a cheap day out, it definitely is value for money as you will enjoy a full day on the mountain.