Explore the Via Ferrata in England's Lake District

Adventure into Victorian England with rickety bridges and vertical climbs across a 19th-century mine.

November 05, 2019

By: Lucy Sherriff

Shop This Look

Photo By: Ben Barden

England's Lake District - Via Ferrata

In the mountainous Lake District, a series of wrought iron spokes and rickety ladders driven into vertical cliff faces - known as “via ferrata” - have become a daredevil’s dream.

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

England's Lake District - Burma Bridge

The walk, which is England’s highest – and only – via ferrata. is a combination of swinging rope bridges, vertical and horizontal climbs through narrow gorges, and along precipitous ledges. There’s no footpath, not even a trail. The trek culminates in an ascension higher than western Europe’s tallest skyscraper, the Shard.

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

Honister Slate Mine

The experience begins by watching a process that has changed little over the past 300 years before delving deep into the mine, which is still excavating slate formed some 400 million years ago. Once you’ve had enough of being underground, then it’s time to ascend to the skies.

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

England's Lake District - Via Ferrata

The via ferrata, which means iron way, is a climbing system that uses a permanently fixed cable up the menacing rock face of the old miners’ pass. Climbers are attached to the system by a harness and then the adventure up the pass, which is where one of the highest and steepest in the region begins.

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

England's Lake District - Burma Bridge

The Burma bridge crossing is not for the faint-hearted. A 100 meter-long contraption strung between two mountains and teetering over deep valley, it’s a test of anyone’s courage. Exposure to strong winds make the bridge sway precariously, and it’s a challenge in itself to stay upright and keep moving forward as you’re rocked from side to side. And, if you’re in any way scared of heights, if definitely best to not look down.

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

Next Up

Otherworldly Destinations Inspired by House of the Dragon 7 Photos

Tour Zurich by Photograph 10 Photos

Tour Amsterdam by Photograph 7 Photos

10 Things That Make Alaska an Irresistible Winter Destination 10 Photos

World's 9 Best Places to Go Skydiving 9 Photos

Explore Landmarks Along the TransAm Trail 7 Photos

Tour Jakarta by Photograph 7 Photos

Tour Lima by Photograph 8 Photos

Tour Tokyo by Photograph 7 Photos

Tour San Francisco by Photograph 11 Photos

We Recommend

Dinosaur Footprints from 200 Million Years Ago Discovered in Wales

Climb England’s Stomach-Churning Iron Way

Curiosity Daily Podcast: The Explorers Club: Josh Gates

Faroe Islands

5 Magical Reasons to Visit Iceland

Awesome Fjords in Norway