Elterwater Quarry Experience, set in the scenic Lake District, has finally received approval from the local authorities following an initial setback concerning travel concerns. This innovative venture is expected to draw up to 50,000 people annually. Aimed at providing an educational journey through the historic quarry, visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn about the history of slate quarrying while soaring across zip lines through underground caverns.
The attraction comes as a collaborative effort between Burlington Stone and Zip World, offering an alternative indoor activity that pays homage to the region’s mining history. Conscious of the impact on Lake District National Park, the project team presented a comprehensive travel plan, now including a shuttle bus service to connect the quarry with Brockhole—Zip World’s other nearby feature. In anticipation of increased visitor numbers, improvements to the 516 bus service are also integrated, promoting the use of public transport.
Moreover, to alleviate concerns about the increase in vehicle traffic, the plan includes sustainable travel options—with 36 spaces for cars and additional parking for coaches.
Andrew Hudson, the Chief Executive of Zip World, expressed commitment to the Lake District’s cultural legacy, pledging to operate this heritage-based adventure with the utmost respect for the local area and its residents. He acknowledged the importance of engaging with local communities and various stakeholders to ensure a positive impact.
The design and planning of this project are helmed by Stephenson Halliday, with architectural input from Dewis Architecture. Curtins and BSG provide further expertise to round out the team orchestrating this unique visitor offering. Those interested in the finer details of the proposal can reference application number 7/2023/5767 through the Lake District National Park planning portal.
The initiative represents a significant step forward in heritage tourism within the UNESCO-recognized region, integrating educational aspects with the thrill of adventure, all while weaving the fabric of the local quarry landscape into a modern-day attraction.
Elterwater Quarry is located in the centre of the Great Langdale Valley to the west of the village of Elterwater in Cumbria.
The six-acre site is accessed via an existing haul road, itself accessed from the B5343 through Elterwater Village, to the south of the bridge over the River Brathay.
Stephenson Halliday submitted the plans on behalf of Burlington Stone, who seeks to regenerate the existing active quarry site and renovate its facilities.
Proposals, drawn up by Dewis Architecture, include the improvement of the permissive pedestrian route to the upper quarry level, ‘The Quarryman’s Viewpoint’. This would allow panoramic views over the quarry and the Great Langdale valley.
The eastern half of the 14,500 sq ft former saw and dressing sheds would be renovated to improve their condition. A section of the shed would be repurposed as a registration and briefing area, with changing facilities, staff facilities, and toilets.
An existing 1,100 sq ft visitor centre would be refurbished to provide a resting point and electric bike facilities.
Externally, a heritage interpretation area would be built on an area of unused land currently used for slate storage, adjacent to the visitor centre.
The underground caverns, which comprise mine tunnels extending south into the hillside, are currently inaccessible to the public. Burlingtone Stone have partnered with ZipWorld to propose activity space.
An internal route would be fixed to the walls to facilitate access to the caverns. The smaller cavern to the south of the site would be used for training, while the larger cavern would be the main focus of the activity.
The existing parking at the site would be improved to provide spaces for three light goods vehicles, 39 cars, and 10 bicycles. Bike EV charging would also be installed.
Curtins is the consultant for transport and travel. BSG is the ecological consultant.
“One more fell from a great mood…” Chris writes for numerous online publications, having studied at The University College of North Wales, Bangor. He is regularly in The Lake District and enjoys wild camping, hiking and watersports. His favourite location? Muncaster Castle…
