Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
William Lailey & Julie Delahaye

Daring Brits sleep on 500ft cliff edge in UK's 'most extreme camping experience'

Intrepid tourists are pictured sleeping on a precarious 500ft-high cliff edge in a new camping craze.

Campers abseil down cliff faces and are then suspended above abysses in the latest staycation offering.

Dramatic pictures and video show tourists at Honister Slate Mine near Seathwaite, Cumbria, enjoying what's been dubbed "the most extreme camping experience" in the UK.

Brave guests must cross the daunting Infinity Bridge before they each reach the crooked cliff faces in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

In fact, some daredevils have even stayed in tents suspended from the bridge.

Brave tourists take in the views while camping 500ft above ground (HONISTER SLATE MINE / CATERS NEWS)

Prentice Wilkinson-Weir, activity and event coordinator at the centre, said: "Guests looking for an even more extreme campaign experience can take it to a whole other level too though, by choosing to have their tent hung from the Infinity Bridge, spanning the crags on Fleetwith Pike around 200 metres above ground level.

"No previous experience is necessary to take part in this experience, with the only requirements being a sense of adventure and a basic level of fitness.

"We're thrilled to be able to launch this experience and can't wait to welcome our guests, all of whom will of course need to bring their head for heights."

It's been dubbed the UK's 'most extreme camping experience' (Christian_balmer / CATERS NEWS)

But Honister, based around the last working slate mine in England, uses safety equipment utilised by rock climbers. The hanging tents on the bridge are covered in fabric and are supported by metal frames.

The company says safety - as well as tourists' comfort - is of paramount importance. After each night living on the edge, guests are delivered bacon butties for breakfast.

The camping spot offers up some pretty amazing views of the landscape (Christian_balmer / CATERS NEWS)

Mr Wilkinson-Weir added: "While this is the latest in a wide range of fun activities, we offer here at Honister, safety is of course our absolute top priority, with campers required to wear a harness at all times, even whilst asleep.

"They are securely attached to both their tent and the rock face outside, so there is absolutely no risk of them coming to any harm during the experience. Staff are on call 24/7 in case of emergency too, via radio. Of course, every experience is also weather-dependent."

Campers abseil down cliff faces to reach the tents (HONISTER SLATE MINE / CATERS NEWS)

For those who would rather not spend the night dangled from the cliff face, the firm is also offering a less extreme Cliff Camping champagne brunch/afternoon tea option.

While the experience looks pretty terrifying, there are similar experiences available for daredevil climbers around the world.

For example, in Peru the Natura Vive's Skylodge Adventure Suites hang off the side of a mountain, 1200ft above the ground. The only way to reach the suites? By zipline or ladder-like steps.

Would you brave it? (HONISTER SLATE MINE / CATERS NEWS)

Luckily for Brits who prefer more traditional camping holidays (aka, on the ground), there are heaps of brilliant campsites across the UK.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen a surge in UK holidaymakers opting for staycations - and camp sites have noted a rise in Brits who are giving camping a go for the very first time.

It's no surprise that camping is such a hit; after all, it offers both an affordable and social distancing-friendly getaway for families. (In fact, there's a handy map you can use to find some of the best socially distanced campsites depending on where you're hoping to pitch up).

Never been camping before? We spoke to one expert who shared his top tips for first-time campers including the essentials to pack, what to do if it rains, and general campsite etiquette.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.