From Hiking to High Wires: Unique Active Holidays in Cumbria

Cumbria is a region where adventure comes naturally. Home to the Lake District National Park, this corner of England is packed with dramatic fells, winding trails, shimmering lakes, and thrilling activities that make it a dream destination for those seeking active holidays. Whether you prefer lacing up your hiking boots, cycling through forests, or testing your nerves on a high-wire adventure, Cumbria has something to challenge and inspire you.

At the heart of it all, Honister Slate Mine offers some of the most unique experiences in the Lake District – combining history, heritage, and adrenaline in one unforgettable location.

Hiking in Cumbria: Trails for Every Ability

No active holiday in Cumbria is complete without a hike. With routes for every level, from gentle lakeside strolls to demanding mountain climbs, walking here is as rewarding as it is beautiful.

• Catbells near Keswick: A family-friendly fell that rewards you with sweeping views of Derwentwater and Borrowdale.
• Scafell Pike: England’s highest mountain is a must for serious hikers, offering an unbeatable sense of achievement.
• Buttermere Round: A gentle circular walk with postcard-perfect scenery, suitable for families and slower days.

Walking in Cumbria connects you with nature, clears the mind, and forms the foundation of any active getaway.

High-Wire Adventures at Honister Slate Mine

If hiking isn’t enough to get your adrenaline pumping, head to Honister Slate Mine, where active holidays take on a whole new meaning.

• Via Ferrata Classic: Follow the paths of Victorian miners, clipped safely into a steel cable as you climb the mountainside with spectacular views over Borrowdale.
• Via Ferrata Xtreme: For those who love a bigger challenge, this route combines vertical climbs, exposed edges, and sky-high ladders.
• Infinity Bridge: Suspended high above a dramatic gorge, this bridge is the ultimate high-wire test of nerves – and one of the most unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.

These activities transform a holiday into an adventure, giving you memories that last a lifetime.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Active holidays in Cumbria aren’t limited to hiking and climbing. The county is also a paradise for cyclists.

• Road Cycling: Tackle the famous passes such as Honister, Kirkstone, or Whinlatter – each offering tough climbs and thrilling descents.
• Mountain Biking: Whinlatter Forest near Keswick is home to some of the best mountain bike trails in England, with routes for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
• Leisure Cycling: For a gentler ride, follow the railway trail from Keswick to Threlkeld, with riverside views and easy gradients.

Cycling here combines fitness with jaw-dropping scenery, making it a highlight of any active trip.

Water-Based Adventures

Cumbria’s lakes and rivers are perfect playgrounds for water lovers. On your active holiday, you could try:

• Kayaking or Canoeing on Derwentwater or Ullswater for a peaceful yet active day on the water.
• Paddleboarding (SUP), a growing favourite that offers a fun way to explore the lakes.
• Wild Swimming for the truly adventurous – nothing beats an invigorating dip in crystal-clear mountain water.
• Honister Canyoning: For a true adrenaline rush, join Honister Slate Mine’s canyoning experience. This unique adventure takes you deep into natural mountain streams, where you’ll scramble, slide, and abseil down waterfalls in the heart of the Lake District. It’s a wet, wild, and unforgettable way to see Cumbria from a whole new angle.

Mine Tours: Active Learning for All Ages

Active holidays aren’t just about adrenaline – they can also be about discovery. At Honister Slate Mine, you can take a guided Mine Tour deep into the heart of Fleetwith Pike.

It’s a hands-on way to learn about Cumbria’s slate-mining heritage and step into the shoes of Victorian miners. Perfect for all ages, and even better, kids go free with a paying adult, making it a great value family activity.

Why Choose Cumbria for Active Holidays?

Few places in the UK can match Cumbria for variety. Where else can you climb a mountain in the morning, kayak across a lake in the afternoon, and finish the day on a high-wire bridge above a mountain gorge?

The Lake District’s blend of natural beauty and adventurous activities makes it the ultimate destination for active holidays. And at Honister Slate Mine, you’ll find experiences that you simply can’t get anywhere else in the UK.

Plan Your Active Holiday in Cumbria

If you’re looking for a holiday that blends fitness, fun, and unforgettable experiences, Cumbria should be at the top of your list. From hiking and biking to high-wire challenges at Honister Slate Mine, this is where adventure meets nature in its purest form.

Discover our activities and start planning your adventure today https://honister.com/