Via Ferrata is one of the fastest growing types of holidays for those wishing to experience the exposure of mountain climbing but without the technical skills or hundreds of pounds worth of equipment necessary for the traditional style of climbing steep rock.

The Via Ferrata (Italian for 'Iron Way') are routes of ladders and steel wire in the high mountains that provide security and safety over even the steepest terrain. Minimal experience or equipment is needed to experience ground that is normally only available to the world's best rock climbers.

Italy has some of the most famous routes but if you think you might like to try it before committing to spending your summer hols jetting off to Europe there is now a smaller, but no less dramatic version in the lake district at the Honiston Slate Mine to visit and you don't even need any special equipment as its all supplied.

We're sure you'll love the experience and when you're ready to get kitted out for a full scale adventure in the Dolomites, Walkhigh Mountaineering have all the harnesses, helmets, gloves, boots and safety gear you'll need to experience the ultimate views in some of the worlds most dramatic scenery and are quite happy to provide advice on the right equipment for your specific needs.