As we perched on a platform, leaning against the wind and watching a rain cloud move across the mountains towards us, we started to wonder if this zip wire thing was such a good idea.
The safety’s gates opened, 3-2-1 -GO! And there was no going back. Squeals of excitement fought the roaring wind as we launched into a panoramic vista of slate mountains toward the Snowdonia coast. This was certainly a staff outing to remember!
It’s a real thrill, but Blaenau Ffestiniog’s Zipworld Titan is not as scary as you might imagine. You feel incredibly secure in the safety harness, the upbeat young staff are professional and reassuring, and the first, 1k long zip line is not too fast and frantic to frighten anyone. The adrenalin gets pumping as the lines get steeper and speedier as you move down the mountain, but by then you’re feeling confident enough to really enjoy the ride.
Zip World Titan is less than 40 minutes drive from Graig Wen. You zip down four at a time and you’re sitting up rather than hurtling headfirst as you do at Zipworld Velocity which is about 90 minutes drive from Graig Wen.
Los Angeles based gossip columnist Perez Hilton has recently dubbed Wales “the most fun place on earth”.! With the zip wires, Bounce Below, a unique subterranean trampoline attraction and world class downhill mountain bikes trails all sharing the atmospheric quarry landscape, he’s not far wrong. Zip World Titan takes a couple of hours to complete but if some members of your group don’t fancy it, there’s loads more stuff to do on site.
As well as shops, cafes and slate cutting demonstrations you can take a tour underground to learn more about the tough lives of the slate quarry men who shaped this landscape at Llechwedd Slate Caverns.
Both the Zip Wires and Bounce Below are highly popular so we strongly recommend booking before your holiday here. There’s excellent information on both web sites about age, height and weight restrictions. Gift vouchers are available too – the experience makes a great present for a special occasion. And the oldest person to take part on the zip wires has been aged 94 years – so far!