I’m not entirely sure why I agreed to go on this zipline, don’t get me wrong it was a brilliant experience, but my heart was racing up until it was over. I seem to keep agreeing to activities that involve heights, despite how much I dislike them, whatever the reason this another one that I enjoyed despite my fear.

What is Velocity

Velocity is a zipline located in Wales and maintained by ZipWorld. However, it is not just any zip wire, it claims to be the longest in Europe and the fastest in the world.

I’ll go into more detail later on the differences between the small zip wire and Velocity, but on Velocity you will go from 0-60mph (roughly) in seconds to travel over 1 mile across the quarry. It is an exhilarating activity that will really get your adrenaline going.

The two wires

So, your ticket for velocity includes two separate zipwires the “little one” and Velocity itself. The little zipline is lower and shorter than the main attraction. It is designed to show you how to hold yourself when going down the line so that you feel safer on Velocity.

It is a nerve-wracking experience hanging there before being released so I’m glad that I could practice it at a lower height first.

The kit

Before even being allowed near the ziplines you are kitted out with the correct equipment. You will receive a harness which feels more like an apron as it covers the majority of the front of your body. The harness is double checked by staff before you leave the area for extra safety.

You will also receive a helmet and goggles to protect your head and eyes as you are gliding down the wire.

The truck ride

After the “little one” you are boarded onto a red truck, that reminds me a little bit of an army truck (like those you see on TV). This was a nerve-wracking experience in itself, a few people found it worse than the actual zipline! The journey is up steep, narrow and un-even trails meaning that you are bouncing about and holding on.

The views were worth it though!

What should I wear?

When we were first thinking of going on a zipline, one of the questions was what we should wear for it. Obviously not a skirt or a dress, but would it matter if we were wearing a jumper or not?

In the end I researched it a little bit and took on other people’s advice. To be honest, as long as you are comfortable and not wearing something that would result in a wardrobe malfunction it doesn’t matter. I’d recommend having your arms and legs covered as the wind will whip around you.

It was also a recommendation that I read, that you should wear something warm as it can get cold up on the platform and as you are going down. However, I would say use your best judgement as you can’t remove a jumper if you get too warm at any point once the harness is on (I think the nerves made me feel really warm when we reached the top of Velocity!).

The views

The views at the top and on the way down were definitely worth the fear I was feeling while waiting. Velocity is in an absolutely beautiful location with vast breathtaking views (on a clear day).

I was a little disappointed that we’d left our cameras behind for safety, but it was the experience that counted.

Lockers

We didn’t actually use the onsite lockers (thanks Mum and Dad!) but they are available on site if you want to ensure that your valuables are secure.

There are also pockets on the front of the harness for your phone that is secured by string and a toggle. While staff said it was intended for keeping items like your phone safe, and the pocket is quite deep, we just didn’t want to risk it so use your own judgement.

Conclusion

This was another activity that completely terrified me. However, I will admit that once I was halfway down the Velocity zipline I was enjoying myself and happy that I hadn’t let my nerves win.