England’s longest zip wire has officially opened at Honister Slate Mine, adding a major new adventure experience to the Lake District.
The Honister Aerial Flight stretches for 1,200 metres from Honister Crag towards the visitor centre below. Riders launch from around 2,000 feet above sea level and can reach speeds of up to 65mph during the descent.
The ride itself lasts for around 60 seconds, although the complete experience also includes the journey up the mountain, a safety briefing and time to be fitted with the required equipment.
A historic route brought back to life
The new attraction follows the route of the historic Lancaster Aerial Flight, which was used to transport Westmorland Green Slate from the mountain from 1926.
The modern wire has also been designed with a practical dual purpose. As well as carrying visitors down Honister Crag, it can help transport slate from areas of the mountain that are difficult to reach by vehicle.
This connection to the mine’s industrial past gives the attraction a particularly strong sense of place. Honister remains England’s last working slate mine and continues to combine active slate production with visitor experiences.
More than 15 years in development
The zip wire has been in development for more than 15 years and forms part of the vision created by the late Mark Weir, who purchased and revived Honister Slate Mine.
Its opening coincides with the family business celebrating 30 years since Mark bought the mine. His sons, Prentice and Piers Wilkinson Weir, now lead Honister and have continued to develop its mix of heritage, tourism and outdoor adventure.
The Aerial Flight joins Honister’s existing activities, including mine tours, Via Ferrata experiences, Climb the Mine and the Infinity Bridge.
What visitors need to know
- Length: 1,200 metres
- Maximum speed: Up to 65mph
- Ride time: Around 60 seconds
- Price: From £109 per person
- Minimum age: 10 years old
- Ages 10 to 15: Must be accompanied by a participating adult aged 18 or over
- Arrival: Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before their booked time
Honister recommends dressing for mountain conditions in every season, with waterproof clothing, gloves and sturdy footwear. Open-toed shoes and heeled boots are not suitable.
Places are limited during the attraction’s first season, so advance booking is strongly recommended.
Find directions, visitor details and more information in our Honister Slate Mine listing on Cumbria Guru.
Availability and bookings can be checked on the official Honister Aerial Flight page.
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