In addition to the adrenaline empire of Zip World sites in North Wales, the South Wales based Zip World Tower site, developed on the former Tower Colliery coal mining site in Rhondda Cynon Taf, is home to four thrilling experiences. There's Phoenix and Tower Flyer zip line rides, Tower Coaster and the Tower Climber.
Phoenix is the fastest seated zip line in the world and the steepest in the whole Zip World range. There are four lines beside each other, giving you the chance to race friends and family at speeds of up to 70 mph. In the first Phoenix zone you ride down the Rhigos mountain and across the Llyn Fawr reservoir, experiencing breathtaking panoramic views, to where the pit head remains. The second line takes you back to Tower Colliery, almost a mile in total!
There'll be a strong sense of anticipation, and probably a few nerves, from the moment you arrive. You'll be bussed from reception and equipped with goggles, helmets and harnesses before a thorough safety check of all the clasps and carabiners to give you peace of mind. Then it’s down to you to leave the platform and take it all in on the way down.
If you're not quite ready to take on the adrenaline rush of Phoenix, Tower Flyer, is a mini zip lining adventure with two lines side-by-side, giving you the opportunity to race each other. With a minimum age of three years with a participating adult, and nine years with a spectating adult, it’s suitable for most families.
There are three zipping zones, with stunning views of the Rhigos mountain range. The first zip line will see you flying 115 metres alongside the historic Tower Colliery, landing on the second tower. Slightly higher up this time, you’ll soar 80 metres on the second zip line, to land on the third tower for your final flight of a further 75 metres of zip lining, before landing safely on the ground.
Set high above the ground, the Tower Climber adventure activity course is the biggest of its kind in the UK. The course is equipped with balance beams, rope bridges and platforms over 3 storeys, and features 69 coal-mining themed elements and obstacles for adult adventurers to confront. Abseil or walk the plank but be sure to take in the panoramic views of the Rhigos mountain range from the viewing deck.
Mini adventurers aged three to eight years can tackle 14 different elements on a designated junior lower level course with a spectating adult to help them around the course.
Tower Coaster is the first two-seater roller coaster of its kind in Europe. You control how fast you go and can reach speeds of up to 25 mph over the one kilometre of track. With three goes per ticket, you can attempt to go faster on each run, experiencing an exhilarating ride over peaks and dips, banked corners and tunnels. Being a side-by-side kart, shared tickets can be used to allow kids between 4 and 8 to ride with an adult.
When you need to catch your breath, there’s the Cegin Glo Bar and Bistro on hand to refresh you with locally-sourced food and drink as you take in the magnificent views. The patio at Cegin Glo is made with slate from the landscape of North West Wales, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
