Zip World Has Really Taken Off

I’m sure that there must be a word in the dictionary to describe someone who is captivated by Zip Wires, and if there is, it would certainly describe us here at Brit Breaks.  For what is probably the fourth or fifth time in as many months, we are able to turn our attention to a captivating story about intrepid entrepreneurs with big ideas based on these high profile attractions.

The news has been mixed, some have met with strong local opposition, and some have passed the test and are fully functioning. The latest one that we are pleased to talk about looks as though it is going to be the granddaddy of them all, and that is Zip World at Bethesda in North Wales.

Zip World is enjoying good times

As with so many of these zip wire attractions it is based on regenerating a disused industrial site or complex. The secret of a successful zip wire is based on pure gravity, namely “zipping” from somewhere high to somewhere low as quickly as possible. This certainly applies at Zip World which is based at the old Penrhyn Slate Quarry at Bethesda in North Wales.

The facts will tell you why this will be one of the most successful.  The owners proudly claim that Zip World will be the largest zip-wire ride in the Northern Hemisphere, and will propel you downhill at speeds of about 75 miles an hour, although it has been tested for speeds estimated at up to 100 miles per hour. The former slate quarry, in itself the largest in the world of its kind until 1950, has been transformed into a mile-long ride that whisks adrenaline seekers from 700ft to ground level.

Using a special zinc-coated wire from Germany,  the attraction  took eight months to build and riders will be taken up to the top of the quarry in an ex-military vehicle for a tour of the region before being given a weather-proof suit, helmets and goggles to ride in. Those worried about tackling the bigger wire straight away can practice their technique on a smaller wire known as the Little Zipper.

There are views of Snowdonia, the Isle of Anglesey and even the Isle of Man, for those taking the trip on a clear day. The attraction costs £45 for adults and £36 for children.

We at Brit Breaks promise that this is the last article that we will do about zip wires, until the next one that is!

http://www.zipworld.co.uk/