The PureKit Blog

Friday 11 March 2011

Lake District mine owner killed in helicopter crash

A controversial Lake District landowner has been killed in a helicopter crash, it has been revealed.

Owner of the Honister Slate mine Mark Weir died on March 8th when the aircraft he was flying crashed nearby, Cumbria Police revealed.

Mr Weir had re-opened the mine, famous for its green slates, but was also a controversial figure due to his installation of a via Ferrata ladder on Honister crags and plans to install a zipwire on nearby Fleetwith Pike.

This was opposed by groups such as Friends of the Lake District, amid concerns those who like to go walking in the area could see mountain paths adversely affected.

Honister Slate Mine's electrical generator provides power for the adjacent Youth Hostel and walkers can enjoy climbs to a number of peaks from the location at the head of the pass between Buttermere and Borrowdale, such as Great Gable and Dale Head.

Should Honister have a zip wire?

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