Honister Slate Mine — Attraction in Buttermere

I came across the main website online and mentioned that I was neurodiverse originally I spoke to ELLA then NASH he came across very reassuring on the phone and I explained about my situation in depth it was important for me to feel assured that I would be safe while I was on the activity

When I arrived at the location I was greeted by the leader of the group ANDY and I was told that I would be going with SEB we travelled first on a Land Rover with MARK and then ANDY the leader gave us a demonstration to show how to use the equipment properly after that I was giving the group a small prehistoric geological history lesson we then travelled up the mountain SEB was with me the whole way and he supported me the entire time keeping in communication with me every step of the way and making sure that I was safe we also took many photographs as well I was surprised of how many photos we took I thought I could only have one photo originally

I also found quite a few interesting items along the way including a rusty George the 4th or Victorian handmade nail the others were quite away ahead of us and I was assured that that was ok and that I should go at my speed so I could feel safe and comfortable with how my experience was

SEB was very considerate with me and even took many of the trinkets and stones that I had collected and put them in his pocket he also had a bottle of water at hand which I didn’t expect but I was greatly for I almost drank the whole bottle when we got to the end of the route

ANDY on many occasions was asking if me and SEB was ok everything was good however ANDY was a bit concerned about me doing a part of the course that was at a slight incline it seemed a bit precarious so he didn’t want me to feel anxious the area in question was near a bridge so me and SEB chose a different route which was slightly easier but It didn’t inhibit the journey or the experience

We went across the bridge which seemed a bit rickety but I managed to get across ok and SEB was praising how I crossed the bridge but also praised my ability of my performance on the route and asked if I have done this before which I replied no I haven’t

Most of the group was ahead of me unfortunately there was a lack of signal and mobile data 700m up so at that time We had difficulty letting the others know that we was ok so me and SEB needed to quicken slightly so we could catch with the others when we came to the end of the via ferrata we then made our way to the road which led to the main base at the centre then a driver in a Land Rover came to pick us up we believed that the team at the main base wanted to find out where we were we got in and made our way to the main base it was quite a bumby ride but we got back safely

When I got at main base SEB helped me out with my equipment I was wearing then I went inside the centre itself ELLA at the desk was very kind and supportive and showed me all the pictures that were taken on my journey and put it up on a screen she also spoke to my parents so did ANDY and SEB also NASH they were all very friendly and helpful i purchased a T-shirt to take as a memento to celebrate my achievement

Overall the experience was very exciting and extremely exhilarating i felt very cared for and I also felt quite validated with everything that the team did for me I felt extremely accommodated throughout the entirety of my stay i do believe I couldn’t of done it without SEB helping me

I would like to add that seeing as I could of been the first person to have an assisted experience the website could possibly include that they are neurodiverse friendly seeing that my experience was a success and that SEB could become the supporter to assist anyone neurodiverse who may want to experience this fantastic opportunity to do the via ferrata or any of the other activities that this centre has to offer I had the most amazing time thank you everyone for helping me and supporting me throughout this experience I felt so accommodated during my stay it means so much to me thanks again I’m sure to...

Visited July 2024 & had an absolutely great time. We did two activities; the Via Ferrata + Infinity Bridge. These activities are not for the faint hearted or those afraid of heights. Having said that, the safety precautions were of the highest and the two instructors (Connie and Katie) were absolutely great, so if you were using it to overcome an fear I'm sure there is nowhere better to do it. We did the Via Ferrata first (which translates as "iron path"), which is a route that traverses across the rock face and over gullies by means of iron 'steps'. Your journey starts with a drop down the rock face before then traversing, both horizontally and vertically, the cliff face along the course. It includes balancing across an iron beam and crossing a very wobbly iron rope bridge. Obviously, you are clipped on to metal safety ropes at all times but that does not take away the thrill of hanging off a sheer cliff face or walking across a bridge in the air. Some sections are more physically strenuous than others, but all in all it is great fun. The Via Ferrata lasts for about 2 hrs and whilst it was cold to start you soon warm up. You will need to wear a sturdy pair of footwear and clothes according to the weather (they do run the activity in the rain and wind). After the Via Ferrata we did the 'Infinity Bridge' (you do get a, similar, more wobbly bridge crossing on the Via Ferrata) - a huge gully crossing suspended high in the air. You need to allow approx 30 minutes for the activity. Due to the bridge spanning a much longer/wider gully it has more ridged supports that actually make it a less wobbly crossing, but you are higher (possibly?) and more away from the rock face and crossing for longer. Both activities were great fun and the staff were great (very friendly, relaxed and supportive when needed). At the end, there will be the option to buy photos that were taken by the instructors, which you can see on the screens in the cafe as you relax. The food in the cafe (which is open to all visitors) is very good and there are vegan options available too. There is also a very nice arts and crafts shop selling items some with an leaning to the slate heritage of the site. Toilets are also available in this...

Visited today. Beware of the step as you leave the lady's toilets; it's lethal. Absolutely no warning that as you go through the last door out of the ladies you are immediately going to drop down from a very slippery ( due to rain and wet feet) step. I used the cubical at the end farthest from the entry door and discovered the toilet would not flush. I intended to do my good deed for the day and report this to the staff, so this was actually on my mind as I headed out of the door. There are two doors, pretty close together, to negotiate and due to the crush of people making their way through the small space between the doors you have to keep your wits about you. The last thing I expected was to fall from a very slippery step as I stepped through the final door. I've had spinal surgery twice and am due more very soon, so I could have nicely done without the horrendous backwards jolt to my neck as I suddenly found myself hurtling downwards. I struggled onwards to find my husband chatting with a fellow who looked strikingly like Mark Weir ( deceased founder of the business). I told them what had happened and the said man was not remotely interested. He went away to find another member of staff who would be more able to sell us the large piece of slate which we'd come to buy. This woman ( Rochelle I think) had obviously been quickly informed of my fall as she very sharply informed me that there is a "mind the step" notice on the way in and I was supposed to remember that on my way out. I mildly protested that a further warning on the way out would have been a good idea. She just snarled at me that Health and safety rules only require the notice on entry. IN OTHER WORDS, THIS BUSINESS DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE WELLBEING OF THE VISITORS AND DO ONLY THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO KEEP ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES. I can only thank them for the agony which I am now suffering and strongly advise other...