The Honister Aerial Flight is England's longest zip wire
Honister Aerial Flight
This spectacular 1,200m zip wire reaches speeds of up to 65mph for an unforgettable Lake District adventure.
1,200m of wire, 65mph
A buzz that starts before you leave the platform and lasts the rest of the day.
Via Ferrata Classic ascent
Your guide leads you along iron rungs and steel cables, the same path Victorian quarrymen walked to work every morning.
Duration 1.5-2 hours
An unforgettable combination of adrenaline, breath-taking mountain scenery, and industrial heritage.
20 years in the making
Mark Weir's long-held vision for Honister. A labour of love that took two decades to complete.
Thrill Factor:
Full on
Intense and out there. Guaranteed to get your pulse racing.
THE STORY
The Next Chapter of an Iconic Route
Long before adventure seekers arrived at Honister in 1926, the Lancaster Aerial Flight carried slate from the crag, transporting green slate through the air where no cart could travel. A feat of engineering born from necessity, it became part of Honister’s story for generations.
100 years later, that pioneering spirit lives on.
More than 20 years in the making, our 1,200m zip wire reimagines that historic route, delivering an unforgettable adventure while continuing to help transport slate from the mountain, honouring Honister’s heritage as England’s last working slate mine.
Where slate once flew, now you can.
The journey begins
Your adventure starts at Honister, where you start to climb the Via Ferrata Classic, the same route once used by the historic miners'. As you make your way up the incline, the Lake District unfolds in every direction, with breath-taking views across the fells and the valley floor.
Clipped to the line
You're kitted up, checked over, and clipped on by our experienced guides, who know Honister's mountain inside out. There’s a moment, right at the edge, where the wire stretches out and disappears down the mountain. Everyone has the same thought here, very few say it out loud.
The aerial flight
Then you step off, and the mountain does the rest. More than a kilometre of cable, up to 65mph, one of England's highest passes falling away beneath your boots. Nothing between you and 450 million years of Westmorland slate but the wind and a single steel wire.
Back on solid ground
You'll come to rest further down the mountain with your heart still somewhere up on the crag. Most people are quiet for a second, then can't stop talking. That's usually when they start asking when can they do it again.
Minimum Age
10 years+
Anyone 10–15 must be accompanied by a participating adult (18+).
Minimum height
1.3 metres
Max weight 18stone / 120kg. Harness specs – not a judgement.
Arrive Early
Arrive 30mins before
Allow time to kit up, get fitted and meet your guide.
Be one of the first
A limited first season
Only a small number of riders can go in year one. When those slots are gone, the next chance is the following summer 2027.
Footwear
Strong boots or shoes
No heeled boots. No open-toed shoes. All other kit provided on arrival.
Weather dependent
Subject to conditions
This adventure is weather dependent, and in certain conditions, it may not be possible to operate the Honister Aerial Flight.
FAQS
The mine is open year-round, offering a unique experience in every season. If you prefer fewer crowds, we recommend visiting during the off-peak months (autumn or winter). However, summer offers beautiful views and a vibrant atmosphere in the surrounding Lake District.
Up to 65mph. You'll launch from 2,000ft above sea level and travel 1.2km of wire over one of England's highest mountain passes. It's the longest zip wire in England, and the fastest minute you'll have this year.
The ride itself lasts around 60 seconds. Allow extra time for the full experience, getting to the summit, kitting up and the briefing. It's worth taking your time up there.
Probably yes. The moment you leave the platform, the fear becomes something else entirely. Our guides have seen it a thousand times, the people who are most nervous at the top are usually the ones who want to go again at the bottom.
Every detail of the zip wire was engineered with safety as the starting point, this took 15 years to build right. Fully trained guides at the launch point and landing zone. All equipment checked before every session.
Dress for a mountain summit in any season, waterproofs, gloves and sturdy footwear. No heeled boots or open-toed shoes. You're 2,000ft up: the weather will remind you if you've underdressed.
Check with your guide on the day, cameras and GoPros may be permitted if properly mounted. Handheld devices aren't safe at 65mph. We recommend leaving the phone in your pocket and just living it.
While we do allow on-site ticket purchases, we recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment. Booking in advance guarantees you a spot and helps streamline your visit.
Yes, we have ample parking on site.
Summer 2026, for its first season. Slots are limited, and the sooner you book, the more choice of dates you have. Book now to secure yours.
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Be one of the first ever to fly the line.
Somebody is going to be among the very first people to ride England's longest zip wire, down a line that's been part of this mountain for generations. The only question worth asking is whether it's going to be you.