If the cost of a pint in the Northern Quarter has got you falling off your bar stool or bench then we’ve got just the thing to make you feel even more uneasy… Calling all thrill-seekers and adrenaline-junkies, as you can venture to Infinity Bridge, the longest high-wire bridge in Europe, which is just two hours north of Manchester. And it is not for the faint-hearted.
Nestled within the Lake District area of Keswick is Honister Slate Mill where you’ll find Infinity Bridge, which sees brave souls suspending 1,000ft above the stunning Borrowdale Valley. If you’re not entirely sure how high above sea level that is, the bridge is more than triple the height of London’s Big Ben at 316ft (96m) and almost double the height of Manchester’s Beetham Tower at 554ft (169m).
Aptly named for its endless length, the Infinity Bridge takes you on a daring excursion across one of the Lake District’s deep gorges. Plus, you will be provided with unmatched views of the area’s beauty, making it a breathtaking experience and an unforgettable adventure. But maybe don’t look down to see how long the drop is.
However, it’s not just the heights and length of Infinity Bridge that will blow you away… The 190m-long bridge in the Lake District is not your regular bridge per se, rather a single wire that makes it even more tricky to navigate.
You’ll be kitted out with all the necessary gear to take on the sky-high wire bridge, including a helmet, harness, karabiners and ropes that keep you safely attached to an overhead wire when crossing. Not a fan of heights? Don’t panic as Honister’s experienced guides can provide extra support and encouragement along the way for those who are taking on the challenge to conquer their fear.
Honister Slate Mill is also home to the UK’s original and award-winning Via Ferrata experience as well as the Infinity Bridge. The Via Ferrata, derived from the Italian term ‘iron way’, offers an exhilarating yet entirely safe way to conquer a Lake District mountain using a network of iron cables, pins, and footholds.
The organisers also have an ‘Xtreme’ version which takes you on a more challenging route compared to their Classic Via Ferrata. Adventurers can traverse the mountain’s face using a combination of scrambling and climbing, navigate gullies, conquer towering cliff faces, cross a Burma bridge, and bravely ascend a sky ladder. The journey culminates at the Black Star summit, soaring over 2,000 feet, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the picturesque Lake District.
And if you can stomach heights and are looking to get your blood pumping even further, there is the UK’s only FlightLine. This jump sees you emerging from a cavern to then freefall to the depths below – don’t worry, the soft catch of the FlightLine will keep you safe – and it is certainly a heart-racing activity.
If you’re after slightly tamer activities then a tour of Honiter Slate Mine, which is the last working slate mine in England, is worth doing. You’ll be guided through the mine and will learn all about the characteristically green volcanic slate (which has been around for 450 million years!) and how it has been mined from past to present over the last 350 years.
The Infinity Bridge experience costs £25 per person, with spectators paying £7.50 each. The Via Ferrata Classic costs £45 per person, mine tours cost £17.50 for adults and you can buy an Adrenaline Pass which includes the FlightLine for £100 per person. For more information including age, height and weight restrictions head to the Honister Slate Mine website here.
Fancy a jam-packed day in the Lake District which includes the Infinity Bridge experience, a pub lunch and transport to and from Manchester? Book tickets here.
📍Find Infinity Bridge at Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN.