Lake District attraction to be expanded

A via ferrata in the Lake District that allows people to experience tricky climbing routes on rock faces without lots of training and sophisticated equipment is to be expanded.

Visitors catching ferries from Dublin to Liverpool in order to visit the north-west of England may be interested in experiencing this for themselves on a trip up to the national park.

The facility is based on Fleetwith Pike, a mountain on one side of the Honister Pass. It is run by the Honister Slate Mine Company, which continues to produce the distinctive green slate from below the surface.

News of the decision comes a year after the company was unsuccessful in its bid to install a zipwire on the mountain, an issue that divided opinion.

The existing via ferrata has already been shortlisted in the Enjoy England Awards 2012 and there is much else people can enjoy in the vicinity.

Mine tours are available, enabling people to descend into the tunnels and caverns of the mine and learn about the techniques used in the industry down the centuries.

And walkers can enjoy the many mountains and hills of the area, such as Dale Head, Robinson and Haystacks.

The Honister pass forms a dramatic crossing between the popular valley of Borrowdale and the Buttermere valley.

The latter is the only valley in the Lake District to contain three lakes and the first one reached from Honister - Buttermere itself - offers an interesting lakeside walk, which includes one short section through a tunnel cut out of the rock.

Borrowdale includes the famous Bowder Stone - a huge boulder with steps to the top - while at its head is Derwent Water, one of the most attractive lakes and one on which boat rides can be enjoyed.

The town of Keswick lies at the far end of the lake, offering plenty of amenities and accommodation, while also nearby is the Whinlatter Forest Park, which offers mountain biking.

Posted by Mark Robinson
 

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