Via Ferrata, Honister, Lake District

Jen, Helen and I (Nige) and some other random people spend a snowy weekend in Honister House in the Lakes. There is nothing out of the ordinary to report other than a general warning about the newly installed Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine (which Helen wisely snubbed for a run instead).

Here is their web site for your viewing pleasure: http://www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk/via_ferrata.asp, but I shouldn't bother yourself!

At the start of the climb there is a reasonable but very short scramble that probably dictates that you use the 'via' but in fairness its more likely you will get it snagged on a rock at jerk yourself back to the floor than there is of you falling over without it. The rest of the 'climb' does not seem like you need your harness (and indeed I didn't) and is as dull as dishwater. Jen and I managed to have some fun by exploring caves and making silly faces with our head torches. Its about a 15 minute stroll to the top of the 'ferrata' which equates to over £1 a minute of your hard earned cash. Meanwhile you have waited around most of the morning to get on it and have wasted an otherwise decent day in the Lakes.

Going to one of the remotest YHA's in the lakes to find yourself walking with 25 tourists, small children and 90 year old coffin dodgers is not great. You just don't, do you!

Just to note that the snow, the company, the YHA and the other days walking/scrambling were all great. Here are some photos for your amusement:

Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!