Honister Slate Mine will take centre-stage on primetime TV next week as presenter Ben Fogle experiences the Lake District from the unique perspective of the Via Ferrata for ITV Countrywise.
The TV star will take on the system of cables and walkways built into the side of Fleetwith Pike alongside climbing legend Paul Ross for the episode, to be screened at 8pm on Friday 16 December. Ross established many of the modern climbing routes in the Lakes during the 1950s and 60s and is well-known as a pioneer of modern rock climbing.
The pair will be joined by outdoor instructor Gnash Baxter, who orginally helped build the UK’s first Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine in 2006.
The filming took place earlier this year, as part of the fifteen-part series ‘Countrywise: Guide To Britain’ which has been airing on ITV on Friday nights. The programme sets out to inspire us all to explore the beautiful British countryside – with its hidden gems, natural wonders and great escapes.
ITV Countrywise is just the latest in a long line of TV crews to use Honister Slate Mine as the backdrop for their productions. In the past year alone, England’s last working slate mine has also welcomed TV crews from BBC One, BBC Two and Channel 5 to film in and around the Honister Pass.