Beginner's Guide to Via Ferrata in the UK

Walking boots or shoes - You don’t need climbing shoes to do via ferrata, but you should wear a pair of sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Trainers can work as well, but walking footwear has the advantage of stiffer soles and better support for your foot.

Gloves - The steel cables and other metal holds can be rough on your hands, so we recommend that you wear gloves. In the summer, you may want to go for a fingerless design, but for the rest of the year, regular hiking gloves will do the trick.

Comfortable trousers - Wear some stretchy trousers, leggings, or shorts that don’t restrict your movement.

Wicking layers - Clothing with moisture-wicking properties will keep you comfortable and help regulate your body temperature.

Waterproof jacket - Via ferrata routes can be quite exposed, so it’s always recommended that you pack a waterproof jacket in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Day pack - Bring a small backpack where you can keep an extra layer, water, food, suncream, and any other little bits that you may need while you’re up on the route.

Water & snacks - It may not be possible to properly stop for lunch mid-route, but you should always have some water and snacks handy.

Via ferrata also requires a few pieces of essential safety equipment, but in the UK, these items are often provided by the centre, and they may not allow you to use your own kit for safety reasons.

Via ferrata kit - The purpose of the via ferrata kit is to attach you to the steel cable and catch you if you fall. They feature a shock-absorber and two easy to handle carabiners. Never use static rope as a via ferrata set, as it can lead to serious injury due to the high fall factor.

Climbing harness - Most climbing harnesses will also be suitable for via ferrata, but the main thing you should focus on is finding one that fits well and is comfortable to wear as via ferrata routes can take multiple hours to complete.

Climbing helmet - Whenever you're out climbing, you could bang your head on the rock during a fall or get hit by little rocks or other people's equipment. That is why it is crucial that you also always wear a helmet on a via ferrata.

Honister Slate Mine, Lake District

The original UK via ferrata location at Honister Slate Mine in Keswick delivers an exhilarating experience with incredible views of the Lake District. They have two different routes, the classic and the Xtreme, to offer a fun, adrenaline-filled day for everyone regardless of ability.

"In the fickle Lake District summer, via ferrata offers a great alternative on days when the weather isn’t good enough for climbing, but you still want a sense of adventure and exposure. The via ferrata experience at Honister offers a great way to try the sport with a guide and without having to invest in your own gear, and can be a great way to dip your toes before heading off to try bigger routes in the Alps." - Kerry, Digital Marketing Manager

Kinlochleven, Scottish Highlands

Located near Fort William and Glencoe, Kinlochleven is home to the UK’s second via ferrata. The epic route runs beside one of Scotland’s biggest waterfalls, The Grey Mare’s Tail.

How Stean Gorge, Yorkshire Dales

The How Stean via ferrata takes you through a beautiful limestone Gorge in the Yorkshire Dales. With plenty of adventures on offer at the location, you can easily combine the via ferrata with other activities to make it into a full day out. They also offer a day course designed to prepare you for Alpine via ferratas.

Goodygrane Activity Centre, Cornwall

The Cornwall via ferrata allows you to ascend cliff faces, cross wire bridges, and experience a scenic zipline to the finish. By doing this route, you’re also supporting a good cause because all of the profits go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people.