Interesting to read another forum debate on this topic.
Firstly to tybalt1951, welcome to the forum.
I am always a bit suspicious about folk who come on and join a forum and the first thing they do is try and drum up support for some cause or another and it makes me wonder if there is an ulterior motive? No doubt there are some folk who are still upset at Mark Weirs unfortunate comments on the OMM event a couple of years ago and they would love to see him and his business take a hit.
I have taken some time to have a look at this proposed Zip Wire as I, probably like most fellow walkers in the Lake District would hate to see the development of obtusive attractions onto the fells.
A couple of facts that perhaps are relevant:
1. This proposed Zip Wire is to be constructed on the footprint of an old Honister Quarry cable run which operated in the 1920's and was known as the Lanscaster Aerial, a fact that gives this proposal an unique history and some merit for getting approval. (compared to someone wishing to copy the idea from say, Kirk Fell to Wasdale Head Inn
)
2. If the planning application has been read you will see that uppermost support for the proposed Zip Wire is to be located on the top of Black Star, some 500m from the actual summit of Fleetwith Pike. This structure is actually going to be 3m in height
not the 5m as quoted by tybalt1951. It is to be constructed in a similar manner of slate but about 1m higher than the cain on the nearby Dale Head.
Personally I dont think this proposal will lead to the Lake District becoming a Theme Park. I cant say that the Via Ferratta and smaller Zip Wire that is already in place has spoilt my enjoyment of the fells. I see the side of Honister Crag where the wire will be located as an industrial area and hardly one of natural beauty. If the application gets approval best of luck to them. There is a younger generation out there who seek enjoyment in the fells by Ghyll Scambling, White Water rafting, Para Gliding etc not everyone gets their adrenaline rush by strolling up to the top of a hill to eat sandwiches.
Andy