Via Ferrata Classic

Welcome to the home of the UK’s original and most renowned Via Ferrata experience, nestled in the picturesque Lake District mountains. This classic adventure offers an ideal starting point for those eager to explore the world of climbing and step out of their comfort zone.

Led by our experienced guides, the Via Ferrata Classic route offers a blend of scrambling and climbing along Honister Crag, while clipped to a cable at all times for your safety. 

3 hrs

Activity time

30 mins

Please arrive 30 mins before your activity starts

1.3m tall, 10 yrs old

Participants must be...

What is THE Via Ferrata Classic

Via Ferrata, which means "iron path" in Italian, is a climbing route that consists of a combination of fixed anchors, ladders and cables on a natural rock face or cliff to aid climbers in their ascent. It's perfect for people with varying levels of climbing experience to access and enjoy the thrill of climbing in a safe and controlled environment. Suitable for ages 10 and up, this activity will take participants along the original miner’s track and over the steep outer incline of Fleetwith Pike.

Though thrilling, Via Ferrata Classic is less challenging than its Xtreme counterpart; continuous cable and sturdy holds make this activity safe for all. Of course, this journey is not without its fair share of excitement and, as well as a true sense of achievement, climbers will bear witness to an abundance of natural beauty.

This is the perfect chance to step outside of your comfort zone and make memories that are sure to last.

No experience is needed to take part in Via Ferrata Classic and your ascent will be fully guided.

Please note, arrival time must be 30 minutes in advance of the time you have booked, failure to do so will result in a participation forfeit. Honister will not reimburse customers for any consequential losses or expenses.

Harry R
via Tripadvisor
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Great experience! Thank you to Gary for being an amazing guide and taking such brilliant photos! We would definitely recommend to anyone interested 😊
Jo W
via Tripadvisor
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Second to none experience amazingly down to earth receptionist who made you feel like family the moment you walked through the door … the best customer service received at a tourism centre and via Ferrata was immense …recommend to all
Julian C
via Tripadvisor
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We did the Via Ferrata Xtreme on a beautiful sunny day. Outstanding experience, very well run facility. Our guides Elt and Alana made the whole experience great and safe. They were friendly and happy to explain the workings of the mine and the history. Would highly recommend!
Justin B
via Tripadvisor
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Myself and my lad did the Via Verrata experience. What an amazing day, gets a bit Hairy at points but just follow your rules and all great. The views are fabulous and the guide was great. All in all its a definite for the bucket list and a fantastic day out.
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Key Information

  • £45pp
  • Minimum age 10 years.
  • 10 – 15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult 18 years +.  16 & 17 year old can go on their own.
  • Minimum height 1m 30cm.
  • You do not need previous climbing experience.
  • You will be guided by professionals and secured to the mountain by cable throughout.
  • Please come prepared for all weather conditions with waterproofs, gloves and strong footwear. All essential equipment will be provided by Honister on arrival.
  • Fully guided ascent! Step out of your comfort zone and see the best view in The Lake District.

Key FAQS

Our Via Ferrata Classic route is the perfect introduction to stepping out of your comfort zone. If you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled activity with the added bonus of natural beauty, this is the ideal adventure for you. You’ll follow the historic miner’s path high onto Fleetwith Pike – it’s sure to be a memorable experience. The addition of a continuous cable makes climbing this magnificent Lake District mountain achievable and safe for everyone.

The Via Ferrata can be seen from a distance from a layby on the Buttermere side of the pass (binoculars recommended) however please be aware it is not always possible for people to spectate any of the adventures as this view is entirely weather permitting.

No. We provide all the necessary safety equipment required. (Helmet and harness/lanyard system). You must use Honister’s own equipment due to our strict equipment maintenance & testing.


Our experienced guides are on hand to assist and are fully trained to deal with all situations. Our aim is to encourage as many people as possible to experience our spectacular location while getting your adrenaline pumping!


Italian for “Iron Walk Way”

A via ferrata is the bridge between scrambling and climbing. It requires simple to use equipment and requires a relatively good head for heights.

Unlike climbing or bouldering, a via ferrata routes are usually marked out by metal rails and rungs embedded into the mountain.

It’s easy to follow and a great way to tackle otherwise impassable cliffs and ledges.

Often round in the French Alps or the Dolomites, via ferrata is commonly used for sport, you climb from the bottom to the top of a mountain or crag (pretty vertically) and walk back down again.

Historically, via ferrata was used to get between mountains – a way of taming an otherwise inaccessible ridge. One of the original used of via ferrata was that they were frequently used during the First World War to move troops and equipment across the mountains.

Yes. For safety, we have a strict restriction of 18 Stone (114KG), with a waist measuring no more than 43 inches and thighs less than 27 inches.

All our tours are with experienced guides. That have received full external and internal training to be able to lead groups up our routes.

Participation on the routes must be part of a supervised group with an internally trained guide.

It is strictly forbidden to access any part of the route without a guide.

Minimum participation age is 10 years and 1.3 meters tall,

Unfortunately, children (10 years – 15 years) must always be accompanied by an adult (16 +) on any activity.

One adult may supervise up to 5 under 16’s and the participating adult must be prepared to sign a disclaimer accepting responsibility for the children.


On average, 3 hours.

Cameras/Mobile phones are not permitted on the via ferrata route due to health and safety, you must be able to use both hands whilst climbing.

‘Go Pro’s’ may be used if attached to a one of our helmets, or via a chest mount.

This must be checked by the guide. A select few of our helmets have the mount attachment on the helmets, these are available on a first come first served basis.

They cannot be hand held or attached to wrists/clothing.

We would recommend dressing for cold weather most of the year! Plenty of layers is recommended and strong footwear.

Heeled boots/shoes are not suitable to be worn onsite anywhere and open toed shoes/sandals will prohibit participation on any activity.

Honister does have the right to refuse admittance if inappropriate clothing is worn.

We would always recommend wearing gloves for our activities, please make your clothing choices appropriate to the weather conditions!

We are in a very remote location and failure to come equipped may affect your experience at Honister!

Please remember it is always much cooler in the mountains than down at sea-level.

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