The Arrival
As soon as I learned about Zip World I knew I had to visit here. I love adventure activities, and what better way of seeing some amazing views than zipline across them. When I visited South Wales Zip World had just opened their latest location, Zip World Tower. This is based just outside of the Brecon Beacons, and is accessible as a short drive from Swansea. We arrived for an early morning session with rain hammering the car as we made our drive.
This was my first time visiting a Zip World location, and the first impression is great. I love how they embraced the area they are in. They have built over a disused Coal Mining site, and I love how they have embraced this history into their building designs. Using old structures as decoration. Zip World Tower is home to the Phoenix, and holds the record of the world’s fastest zip line, achieving speeds of up to 70mph.
Gearing Up
I started to get read and strapped into our gear and the stylish safety helmets. As you would expect from any activitity nowadays there are the usual safety briefings. Usually these are boring but the staff manage to feed off the excitement and inject a few jokes so you actually pay attention for once. Before you know it you are carrying your gear to the shuttle bus and make your way to the top. The drive to your first zipline isn’t that far, but it’s long enough to build the anticipation. All the way you have breathtaking views as you circle the site, and I was buzzing with anticipation. The time between being dropped off by the shuttle bus and getting strapped in flew by quickly. Before I knew it, they called me up to the top, and I prepared for my first zip.
The Phoenix
I was strapped in you and asked to lean back, with my feet either side of the exit. This is the clearest view of what you signed up for. However before you know if they are doing the final checks and the doors slide open. We wasnt given much of a countdown and you’re left to release yourself down the line. The first zip is 920m in length and you quickly pick up speed. Weight makes a huge difference and if you are heavier you are going to go a lot faster.
The more scenic zip
The second zip is just a short walk away, we all waited together and made small talk as we waited for the rest of the group to finish their zip. Usually they start setting up the second zip straight away, but as we were a small group they decided to wait and all go together. This was so much better for me as it gave us time to chat and meet the rest of our group. A lone guy in our group confessed that his partner was waiting in the car (not the bar oddly) as she didn’t want to join. The rest of us were local couples and a family, while my friends and I were the only tourists from outside of Wales.
They were delighted to recommend us places of interest we had to visit during our stay. I’ve always believed that the best way to find places to visit is to ask a local, and they were more than happy to recommend Joe’s Ice Cream, a place they all agreed we had to visit. A place that at the mere mention of the name everyone seemed to drift into a solemn memory and mumbled words of agreement. They also insisted we visit the Gowers, an area recognised for its National Beauty. Before we knew it we were being ushered onto the second zip. This time travelling shorter and slower, at 620m and a max speed of 55mph. It finishes just outside Cegin Glo bar and Bistro, and after those activities you will want a drink.
Cegin Glo Bar and Bistro
The design of the Bistro is beautiful, they have not shied away from the location’s past and instead embraced its history, with a bar that is a beautiful blend of iron and coal. The food here is locally sourced, and tasted perfect after the adventure. We had paid for photos and videos of our experience, and had an email notifying us that they were ready before we had even sat down. I always pay for the photos of these experiences, it means I have something to look back on, and when you’re at a meal after it’s great to share and laugh at the panic on your face when you drop.
Zip World FAQ’s
How many locations do they have?
Zip World currently have four locations, with just the Tower based in South Wales. Others include Fforest, Slate Caverns and Penrhyn Quarry.
What can I do at Zip World – The Tower?
You have to pay for each activity, there are no bundle deals at the moment. I have included each one below.
The Phoenix
Two zip lines, totalling over 1.5km and can reach speeds up to 70mph, which takes you down the Rhigos mountain, across the Llyn Fawr reservoir, and offers you the best views of the Cynon Valley.
Tower Coaster
A coaster across 1km of track where you have complete control of the speed as you ride through tunnels and around banked corners.
Big Red
A 30ft high zip line designed for younger visitors.
Is every Zip World location the same?
No, although all Zip Worlds have zip lines, they often boast their own records or unique experiences. As well as different onsite activities including quarry karting and mine tours.
How fast do you go at Zip World?
Zip World claim you can travel at speeds up to 70mph whilst on the Phoenix