There are many ways to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District. You can take a hike, get out on a boat, hop on a bus, hire a private plane or dust off your bike. Or, you could go full-speed down a zip wire.
At least, you’ll be able to soon. This week, the Lake District National Park Authority gave Honister Slate Mine (the last working slate mine in England turned adventure park) the green light for a kilometre-long zip line. It’ll stretch above the Borrowdale Valley between Honister Crag and the Honister Slate Mine Visitor Centre.
The attraction had actually already been approved by the authority back in 2019. However, a new application had to be considered due to changes in the technical specifications of the proposed wire that meant the landing post had to be moved.
Honister Slate Mine said: ‘The zip wire will offer a thrilling yet sensitively designed adventure, allowing visitors to soar through the stunning Borrowdale Valley while ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding landscape.
‘The approved design incorporates key refinements to reduce visual and noise impact, including adjustments to the landing area and technical modifications. Honister’s commitment to preserving the landscape and maintaining harmony with the natural environment has been central to this project from the outset.’
It added that the zip wire has been designed to be as inclusive as possible. It said: ‘The experience will be open to participants who may not otherwise be able to explore the fells, offering them a unique way to experience the great outdoors and the breath-taking beauty of the Borrowdale Valley.’
There’s no officially opening date for the zip wire yet, but work is expected to start soon.
Time Out at the Lakes
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