Snowflakes and Steel: A Frosty Via Ferrata Adventure in the Lake District
I've been itching to tackle a Via Ferrata for ages, so when the Honister Slate Mine invited me to try their course back in early December, I was over the moon. It easily secured a top spot among my 2023 adventures, and I'm excited to share the thrill with you!
The Journey to Honister Pass
Living up north is a haven for adventure junkies like me, and the Via Ferrata nestled in Honister Pass, Lake District, is a prime example. Getting there was a breeze - even for someone directionally challenged like myself - thanks to the spot-on postcode directions. Honister Slate Mines boast an array of activities, but I was in search of an adrenaline rush, so the choice was clear: I opted for the Via Ferrata Extreme.
Understanding Via Ferrata
For the uninitiated, Via Ferrata, or "iron road," signifies secured climbing routes using steel cables, ladders, and fixed equipment. At Honister, it's a series of exposed scrambles linked by metal ladders and wire bridges, making mountain climbing accessible to everyone, no prior experience required!
The Course
Our adventure commenced with a thorough briefing and gearing up with all the safety equipment. Enter Frankie, our guide for the day - a mix of knowledge and humor, making the experience not just safe but downright fun. Having the right instructor can make or break such activities, and Frankie nailed it, even engaging in a few spontaneous snowball fights along the way.
The journey began with a jeep ride to the course's start, where Frankie walked us through handling the metal fixings. The initial descent over a short wall onto a lengthy ladder definitely got the heart racing, especially for those with a fear of heights. Following the metal staples along the rock face provided not just a physical challenge but also jaw-dropping views of Honister Pass. While most sections were manageable, the height factor added an extra thrill, doubling as a core workout for some of us.
The pinnacle of the course? The infinity bridge. Talk about breath-taking - both in views and in the balancing act required to traverse it, especially when the wind picked up. Trusting the gear and embracing the height made all the difference.
The final stretch mirrored the bridge's challenge, and although I'm no stranger to climbing, I'll stress that this course is absolutely doable for anyone with a basic fitness level. Summiting Black Star at the end rewarded us with a 360-degree panorama of the stunning Lake District, concluding the Via Ferrata with a satisfying hike. We got so luck with the weather having snow and clear visibility! It made the views so much more magical.
A leisurely 15-20 minute walk downhill led us back to the Slate Mine reception, where we returned our gear. As part of the press trip, I snapped some moments along the way, but what truly impressed me was Frankie's knack for capturing fantastic photos of everyone, available for purchase at the reception.
Tips for Future Adventures
This Via Ferrata Xtreme escapade turned a regular weekend with friends into an unforgettable adventure. I can't recommend it enough if you find yourself with the opportunity. And if you do decide to give it a shot, here are a few tips:
Layer up, especially if it's chilly, and pack waterproof gear if rain's on the forecast.
Opt for sturdy walking boots - they make a world of difference during the climb and descent.
Consider bringing a GoPro on a chest harness for hands-free photography. Budget for purchasing the professional photos at the end.
Make time to soak in the stunning views around Honister Pass before and after the experience.
My time on the Via Ferrata Xtreme course was an absolute blast, and I'd leap at the chance to do it again. If you decide to take on this adventure, I'd love to hear all about it! How did it go for you?
And remember, even though it was a press trip, all opinions are 100% my own. Happy adventuring!
