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North Wales Live
28-07-2025
- North Wales Live
I experienced the world's fastest zip line reaching 100mph - and it's local
Situated at Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, one of the 19th century's most historically important slate quarries, Zip World presents itself as an adventure seeker's paradise. For those difficult to intimidate, the experience offers a scenic tour of mountainous terrain and, for those who know what to look for, views of Snowdonia – Eryri National Park. Upon reaching the destination, I was taken aback to discover that parking incurs a charge (fortunately, just £1.60 for the day), though given the zip line costs £92 per person - plus a £5 booking fee - I believe parking ought to be free of charge. Having turned up ahead of our allocated time slot, we were kindly permitted to join the preceding group. Whilst awaiting our adventure at "one of the top UK attractions," we investigated the venue's additional offerings. A well-placed café and bar operated on the premises, allowing us to enjoy refreshments whilst observing people being hurled around on the Aero Explorer. You could also hear the screams coming from Velocity (the world's fastest zip line). When the moment arrived to don our harness, helmet, and goggles, the Zip World staff double-checked our equipment, followed by a comprehensive safety briefing. Following a brief journey across the picturesque blue lake, the group was swiftly guided towards a former military vehicle to ascend the mountain. Throughout the 3km route up to Velocity, there were breathtaking vistas to admire (and photograph), and the sight of Quarry Karts racing downhill. There was also a stop along the ascent for everyone aboard the truck to disembark and snap some photographs. Shortly afterwards, we reached Velocity, complete with another vantage point to appreciate Snowdonia before tackling the "Big Zip." Whilst positioned horizontally for the ride, with your arms stretched behind you, it's scarcely the most comfortable stance to be suspended in for a minute or two. Nevertheless, once you're genuinely soaring through the air, travelling across one mile of the mountainous quarry and lake, it's an incredible experience. Securely brought down to the ground at the finish line, the adventure concludes in just a few minutes - yet the sensation afterwards is rather euphoric.
Daily Mirror
28-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
I rode the world's fastest zip line in the UK and it felt euphoric
Zip World in North Wales boasts the world's fastest zip line and a host of other adrenaline-pumping attractions – and I went to check it out. Nestled within Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, at one of the 19th century's most historically important slate quarries, Zip World presents itself as a haven for thrill-seekers (or so it appears). For those difficult to frighten, the adventure offers a scenic tour of mountainous terrain and, for those who know what to spot, views of Snowdonia – Eryri National Park. When we arrived, I was taken aback to discover the car park required payment (fortunately, just £1.60 for the day), though given the zip line costs £92 per person - plus a £5 booking charge - I believe parking should be free. Having turned up ahead of our booked slot, we were kindly permitted to join the earlier group. This is where difficulties began; there was apparently a power failure (as we later discovered) causing a delay of almost two hours. Whilst awaiting our go on "one of the top UK attractions," we wandered around the site's other offerings. Watching in amazement as people tackled the "Big Zip" - where riders reach speeds of up to 100mph - my companions and I were struck by an overwhelming stench. It emerged that the picturesque blue quarry lake came accompanied by wafts of a sharp odour resembling sewage. Fortunately, that's where the grievances end. A handy café and bar operated on-site, allowing us to sip drinks whilst observing people being flung around on the Aero Explorer. Screams from Velocity, the world's fastest zip line, filled the air as visitors casually browsed the gift shop. When it came time to gear up with harnesses, helmets, and goggles, the Zip World team meticulously checked our equipment before delivering a safety briefing. Gliding over a stunning blue lake on a quick zip line (thankfully too high for any unpleasant odours to reach us), we were promptly escorted to an ex-army truck for an ascent to the "Big Zip". The 3km journey up to Velocity offered breathtaking views and a chance to see Quarry Karts whizzing down the slopes, with a pitstop for photo opportunities along the way. Before long, we reached Velocity, pausing at another vantage point to admire Snowdonia before bracing ourselves for the "Big Zip." Lying horizontally, arms stretched back, it isn't the most comfortable way to hang for a minute or two. But once airborne, soaring over a mile of quarry and lake, the discomfort gives way to an exhilarating rush. Touching down safely, the adventure is fleeting, yet leaves you with a lingering sense of elation. And for an additional £20, I've captured my descent on video to relive the thrill with a grin.
