Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

England's Lake District - Infiniti Bridge

England's Lake District

Climb England’s Stomach-Churning Iron Way

By: Lucy Sherriff

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

November 05, 2019

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.

Initially built across Europe during World War I to enable soldiers to carry supplies across the Alps, now, they’re used by thrill-seeking adventurers.

The via ferrata in the Lake District was originally implemented for Victorian miners to be able to get to the top of the mountain, and the route follows the original. The vertical hike begins outside the 19th-century mine and passes by the currently functioning Honister slate mine, at the top of Honister Pass in Borrowdale.

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.

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.

It’s an adrenaline rush for any adventurer and provides some of the country’s most breathtaking views. Explorers skywalk across the daunting Infiniti Bridge, which is more than 2,000 ft above the valley’s floor, and then approach the summit of Fleetwith Pike, but not before scrambling over a huge vertical net.

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.

The “classic” route is suitable for families, as long as kids are over 10 years old. The “xtreme” route, however, is a far more challenging and breathtakingly exhilarating route.

Think clutching on a slim iron rung whilst your foot is precariously balanced on the precipice below, cliff edge ladders, and a tightrope bridge; then clambering up rickety slate steps towards a grey sky.

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

England's Lake District - Infiniti Bridge

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

Photo Credit: Honister Slate Mine

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.

But, once you’ve tackled the bridge, there lays some slightly easier clambering up slate slabs, before a final push to the finish line via an almost-vertical rope cargo net.

When you at last reach the top, the lakes of Buttermere, Crummock, and Loweswater, are framed by the surrounding fells. The picture-perfect end to an adventurous foray into the life of a miner in 19th-century Victorian England.

Next Up

Discover this Quaint Gem on the English Coast

Tucked in the corner of the southwest of rugged England, lies one of the country’s most-loved gems – Cornwall. The county forms a peninsula fringed with golden sandy beaches, lined with towering cliffs, and dotted with picturesque fishing villages that harken back to days gone by.

4 Wonders of the Philippines

The Philippines is an island country in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 7,000 islands and islets. From rolling chocolate hills to caves and beaches for exploration, the Philippines has many places to explore and learn about!

Discovering Europe’s Last Wild Rivers

Rivers in the Balkans are largely free-flowing, unlike other bodies of water on the continent. They are home to endemic species of fish, provide habitats for birds, and a playground for watersport daredevils.

Unforgettable International Hiking Vacations

We've selected 5 unforgettable hiking vacations sure to lead you into the thick of your destination.

You Can Hike to a 1950s Plane Wreck in Alaska's Talkeetna Mountains

A US Airforce bomber crashed in the mountains of Alaska during a training mission. Today, adventurous hikers can make the climb to bomber glacier to see what remains of the fuselage.

Dinosaur Footprints from 200 Million Years Ago Discovered in Wales

Members of the public found the former dinosaur “trampling grounds” while at the beach in South Wales.

The First All-Black Team Will Climb Mount Everest Next Year

By scaling the 29,032-foot-peak, Full Circle Everest hopes to empower people of color to explore the outdoors.

5 of America's Most Extreme Destinations

Join Discovery as we explore five of America's most extreme destinations: Denali, Alaska (highest peak); Death Valley, California (hottest, driest, and lowest); Prospect Creek, Alaska (coldest); Mt. Waialeale, Hawaii (wettest); and Paradise Visitors Center on Mount Rainier (snowiest).

Historic Adventures Along Italy’s Mediterranean Coast

Perched on the dramatic coast of Italy, just north of Pisa, there are five small hamlets, known collectively as “The Cinque Terre”.

5 Magical Reasons to Visit Iceland

Be prepared to be wowed by this unique island country.