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Visitors could soon experience the beautiful landscape of the Lake District while cutting through the air on a zip wire, as part of a controversial new tourist attraction.

In an attempt to attract more visitors to the Lakes, a proposal has been put forward for a mile-long zip wire to carry thrill-seekers down from a 2,126ft peak near Honister to the ground below.

But there have been criticisms from conservationists about the development of one of Britain's most remote and peaceful landscapes, saying it may disturb other visitors and set a precedent for further attractions.

The charity Friends of the Lake District, has objected to the zip wire saying it would spoil the surrounding area. A spokesman for the charity said: 'We have significant concerns over the impact of the wire, and the type and level of activity it would bring.

'This area of the national park is internationally recognised for its outstanding landscape and tranquillity. This is just the wrong place for a new visitor attraction that would be aiming to attract large numbers of people.'

The proposals are due to be discussed by the national park's development control committee in September.

The zip wire would link Fleetwith Pike to the Honister Slate Mine, which is already a visitor centre. Mine boss Mark Weir said: 'The Lancaster Aerial Flight would help Honister address the ebb and flow of tourism by retaining more people for longer periods and providing something new and exciting.'

He is calling on the experience of firms that run similar tourism experiences' in South Africa and New Zealand.

Mr Weir has already created England's only 'Via Ferrata' - a system whereby climbers can make their way up the fell in harnesses attached to a cable that is bolted to the rock face.

Source – The Daily Mail

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Labels: Lake District