Mountaineering legends Sir Chris Bonington and Alan Hinkes were among a select group given a sneak preview of a brand newunderground climbing experience, due to open deep inside a Lake District mountain this Easter.

The VIP group have become the first to try out the subterranean 'Climb the Mine' experience at Honister Slate Mine, as part of National Tourism Week (29 March-6 April 2014). Complete with vertical climbs and rope-bridge crossings, the visitors were guided deep inside the 2,126 feet high Fleetwith Pike for the all-new adrenaline filled adventure.

Open seven days a week, the all-weather experience will officially open to the public on Saturday 12 April 2014, ready for the start of the Easter holidays. Following the route of the original underground mine workings, each guided 'Climb the Mine' adventure will last around an hour and will see groups of up to 12 people led deep underground to explore a secret world of hidden passages and magnificent caverns, before emerging to a spectacular view of one of England's highest mountain passes.

Along the way, they will scale rock-face rungs and awesome Burma bridges. They'll then climb up into the roof of the mine itself - although slate has been extracted here for centuries, this experience was previously confined to an elite group of miners in days gone by and will provide an exhilarating finale for anyone with a truly adventurous streak.

Sir Chris Bonington said, “Climb the Mine is absolutely fabulous! The beauty of it is that it really doesn't matter how old you or what previous climbing experience you have. Today, the youngest taking part was 12 years old, while I'm nearly 80. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and it's a brilliant attraction to have.”

Alan Hinkes, the first Briton to have climbed the world's highest mountains, said, “Climb the Mine at Honister is an exciting and innovative experience. I certainly enjoyed it, and I think a lot of people who aren't necessarily climbers will find it really exhilarating. Inside the mine, it's a completely different environment and a great way to experience the Lake District.”

Co-owner of Honister Slate Mine, Jan Wilkinson, added, “Not only does the new subterranean 'Climb the Mine' experience offer an exciting challenge for all ages, but it gives a glimpse into an underground world most people will have never seen before. We're excited to be offering visitors a completely new wet-weather attraction for the Lake District, which is perfect for anyone with a passion for making the most of everything this unique and varied landscape has to offer.”

The subterranean 'Climb the Mine' is suitable for anyone aged 10 years+ with good levels of fitness and a healthy sense of adventure. Experienced climbers will keep a watchful eye on participants at all times; visitors will all don helmets and safety harnesses and will be given full safety instructions.

Prices from £19.95 for adults and £14.95 for children (aged 10-17).

For the extra intrepid, participants can also do a 'Big Burma' upgrade and brave the 160metre 'Infinity Bridge' Suspended at more than 2,000feet above the valley floor, it's believed to be the longest Burma Bridge in Britain.

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For further information please contact:

Heather Sewell

Tel: 01539 825002

Email: hsewell@cumbriatourism.org