Alan Hinkes tries out the walkway

Britain’s most successful high-altitude climber tested a high-level Yorkshire attraction before its opening to the public.

Alan Hinkes, the only Briton to summit all the world’s 8,000m mountains, tried out the Postman’s Walk extension to the via ferrata at How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale.

The high-wire route is one of three to be added to the via ferrata attraction near Lofthouse in the Nidderdale area of outstanding natural beauty.

The Yorkshireman was on home territory for his trip over the route in the ravine, which has one top cable and one walking cable.

The nearby Burma Bridge has one foot cable and two hand cables, while the Tyrolean Traverse has an overhead cable and a seated pulley system.

The cable routes are an addition to the How Stean Gorge via ferrata, England’s second after the Honister Mine route on Fleetwith Pike. The system of fixed cables and steps opened five years ago is modelled on those found in the European Alps, and enables non-climbers to tackle technical routes.

The How Stean aerial walkway

The latest aerial walkways follow a course up to 9m (30ft) above the floor of the gorge.

Stan Beer, partner at How Stean Gorge, said: “Our via ferrata has proved to be a real draw for visitors, both young and not so young, as a safe way of getting an adrenaline buzz and trying something completely different.

“We’ve designed the new walkways to add another dimension to the experience that will offer a fantastic, previously unseen, view of the gorge.”

The via ferrata can be used by those over the age of seven. Prices and details are on the How Stean Gorge website.