ENGLAND'S LONGEST ZIP WIRE OPENS AT LAKE DISTRICT SLATE MINE

England's longest zip wire opened to the public at Honister Slate Mine in Keswick, Cumbria on Saturday, 8 August, following 15 years of development. The 1,200-metre zip line descends from Honister Crag to the Visitor Centre below, reaching speeds of up to 65 mph. Tickets start from £109 per person. The site is described as both a working slate mine and an adventure destination offering additional attractions including climbing through mines, ghost tours and an infinity bridge.

Planning permission for the zip wire was rejected in 2011 and 2012 before being approved in 2018. The mine was briefly closed in 1989 and reopened in 1997 by Mark Weir, who developed it as England's last working slate mine alongside adventure facilities. Prentice and Piers Wilkinson Weir, sons of Mark Weir, now operate the family business. The brothers stated that the zip wire represents their commitment to investing in Honister and creating experiences for visitors whilst supporting the local economy. One report indicated that only a limited number of riders would be able to use the attraction during its first year of operation.

The zip wire was engineered to continue transporting slate from the mountain as originally intended. The Weir brothers noted that the project marks an exciting new chapter as the family celebrates 30 years since Mark Weir's purchase of the site. Bookings for the Honister Aerial Flight could be made online from the opening date.