Riding the fastest zip line in the world – Velocity 2 at Penrhyn Quarry, Wales

Reaching speeds of around 100mph, riding Velocity 2 at Zip World is definitely not for the faint-hearted! Feeling a hearty mix of excitement and anxiety, before our visit I took it upon myself to read everything I could about what to expect when you ride the zip line. If you’re unsure whether this adrenaline-fuelled experience is for you, if the cost is worth it, or just want an insight into what happens on the day, here’s everything you need to know about flying Velocity 2!

The best time to book

We visited at the beginning of March, the week after school half term in Wales, so we knew there was a strong chance that a lot of people who wanted to visit around that time would have done so the week before. If you have flexibility on timings, we recommend choosing the first available slot of the day for your visit. For us, this was 9am on a Tuesday and as a result we were two in an eight person group – the maximum being twenty-four. If you’re like me and prefer to be in as small a group as possible for an anxiety-inducing experience, it’s worth knowing that the number of tickets available updates on the Zip World website after every ticket purchase, so you can look for a day with lots of availability where there’ll be less people in your group.

How long does the experience take?

The reason we recommend arriving early is simply to avoid crowds and waiting around as much as possible on the day. Even with our small group, from start to finish our visit took an hour and forty five minutes, with Zip World advising you to allow two hours. Gearing everyone up at reception takes time, not to mention there are only four zip lines running at any one time, so you will have to sit and wait for others to take their turn. It also takes time to get everyone into the trucks and make the slow ascent to the top of the quarry – more on that below.

Arriving on site and facilities

Our 9am slot meant we were instructed to arrive at 8.30am to gear up and listen to a safety briefing. Upon arrival there were only two other visitors on the site which was blissful! The quarry was serene and the sun was shining on the crystal blue waters below. We spent a few minutes taking pictures and spotting the launch building at the very top of the quarry before heading inside the reception building.

We checked in and paid for our helmet camera footage, then waited for the rest of our group to arrive before heading through to gear up. There is a cafe upstairs with a viewing deck for spectators, and toilets if you have a nervous bladder and need a last minute visit! There are also lockers provided for your valuables, though you can keep small possessions on you either in the small pouch on the front of your harness or in a zipped-up pocket.

Gearing up

In a small room just off reception, our group lined up to be weighed one by one. Each visitor must be weighed so that all four people who will be on the zip lines together will arrive at the bottom side by side, at the same time – which is great if you’re flying as a family! The team at the top of the zip line will add small weights or flags to visitors to ensure that everyone’s weights are roughly the same before they head down.

After being weighed, the team of Zip World employees gave us our helmets and goggles, then helped us into our harnesses. The team conduct extensive checks to ensure everything is clipped in where it should be, before a different team member checks their work to be extra sure! The team then give you a brief run through of the schedule for your visit and lead you outside for a short two minute walk across the carpark to the first zip line.

The ‘taster’ zip line

We sat along benches in our group at the top of the small zip line while the Zip World team gave us another quick run through of how it all works. The process is straightforward – you lie down on what I can only describe as a padded gurney and rest your feet against the bar attached to your gear. This is to ensure you keep your legs straight on the way down, and prevent drag. The team clip your harness to the zip line and perform all their safety checks. The padded gurney is then lowered and you dangle there for a moment while they double check everything again.

The team are all super friendly and do a great job of talking to you and making sure you’re feeling good! When all the safety checks are complete, and you have the green light from the team at the bottom of the taster zip line, the team count down from three in Welsh and you’re released!

This small zip line lasts 30 seconds, and we reached a speed of around 32mph. It’s a gentle descent and a great introduction for Velocity 2 as you glide over the water. A small barrier at the end gently slows you down (I was worried this was going to be a shock, but I barely felt it!) and you release your legs from the bar as a Zip World team member lowers you to the ground. Our group were in high spirits after this first ride, and we all took turns filming each other coming down to swap later!

Getting to Velocity 2

Riding in the small truck from the taster zip line up to Velocity 2, along the steep edge of the quarry, isn’t the smoothest ride! It’s a slow journey, but if you squint through the netting along the side of the truck you’ll be treated to stunning views as you ascend. All eight of us in our group fitted comfortably in one half of the truck – another reason to aim to visit in a smaller group. With the maximum of twenty-four people squeezed in or spread across two trucks, I’m sure it would’ve slowed the journey down even more!

View from the top

Walking our now-tingling legs down the steps off the truck, we were greeted by the most gorgeous view! We were lucky enough to have absolutely beautiful weather for our visit, with the sun glinting off the water in the quarry below and a clear day meaning we could see for miles. The team allow you to pause here to take photos and admire the view all around before making your way inside the launch building. We didn’t hang about for too long after taking our photos, as it was an early March day and no amount of sun could make up for the chill! As we were told by staff at reception – it’s 10 degrees colder at the top, so wrap up warm and bring a snood, hat and gloves (all available in the gift shop before you start, in case you forget!).

Flying Velocity 2

Inside the launch building, there are four markers on the floor where the first four people to go down the zip line stand while the team conduct their checks and give you your helmet camera, if you’ve chosen to have one. This room is quite large, with lots of benches and even a roaring fire. With only eight people in our group, we went in two sets of four. Chris and I chose to be in the last set, so we could watch others set off first!

The process is the same as it is for the smaller zip line, in that you lie down while the team conduct their numerous checks and apply any weights to people in the group. This time though, dangling around while they do so is a little more intimidating! It is a long way down and you can just make out the landing area on the other side of the quarry below, 1.5km away. The team count down from three again, and you’re off!

The initial drop is severe to say the least – this is so you can build up speed quickly, reaching 60mph within the first ten seconds. After the steep drop, the line levels out and it’s just a breezy ride to the end. The wind whistling past your ears makes you realise just how fast you’re going – we reached a top speed of 90mph, though Zip World claim you can reach up to 125mph on Velocity 2! If the view from the launch building was stunning, it’s nothing compared to looking down on the quarry from directly above as you sail over. If you can get past the initial shock of travelling so fast, the rest of the flight is plain sailing and you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most unique views in Wales, as we did.

Leaving the site and watching helmet camera footage

At the end of Velocity 2, as with the small zip line, a gentle brake slows you down. Only this time a Zip World team member reaches out with a metal pole for you to grab before you’re lowered down again as this line is a lot higher off the ground than the first! The team member who “caught” me asked how it was, and I think I said ‘That was so quick!’ out of shock for how soon it seemed to be over! Once the team unclips you, it’s a short five minute walk back to the reception building to hand in your gear. At this point my energy levels crashed after all the pent up anxiety and adrenaline in anticipation of our visit!

We meandered through the gift shop, choosing to just take away the footage from our helmet cameras as a souvenir of our day. (I’m not sure to what occasion we would’ve worn t-shirts with ZIP WORLD on the front, but at least there’s something for everyone.) You’re able to watch a clip of your camera footage in reception before you buy it – it’s by no means a cinematic masterpiece, but in our opinion it IS worth it for a good souvenir of your visit. And to prove you’ve done it, which is the main reason why I bought my video and photos!!

Is it worth it?

Visiting Zip World isn’t exactly cheap, and we feel fortunate we could take advantage of a ticket offer available at the time (more on that below). At the end of your two hour session, you’ve been on zip lines for less than a minute and a half which makes the ticket price sound extortionate. However, you’re paying for the dozens and dozens of staff on hand to ensure you have a smooth and safe ride, all the safety checks, the equipment, and last but not least a once in a lifetime experience!

Flying Velocity 2 is an incredible, unique experience, and something that anyone of any age can enjoy. I’m pleased to say I’ve done it but, with the cost being what it is, unless you’re a real thrill-seeker you wouldn’t need to go more than once – which is probably enough for most people anyway!

Helpful things to know before you book

A few tips that will help you get the most out of your experience at Velocity 2:

• Look out for discounted tickets. The Zip World Instagram page posts when there are discounts, bundles and offers available for buying tickets on all the experiences at the quarry, including Velocity 2. We were really fortunate to take advantage of a 2 for 1 offer on our Velocity 2 tickets, which literally cut the cost in half. It’s well worth keeping an eye on their social media pages, especially around events like Black Friday, Christmas and New Year, for any offers on ticket prices.
• Helmet camera footage is available for an extra charge. If you want to take home a unique souvenir of your experience riding Velocity 2, Zip World offers a camera mounted to your helmet to capture your reactions as you fly down the zip line. It’s worth knowing that this footage is available to purchase at an additional cost – not included in your ticket price – and you are not permitted to bring your own camera or mounted Go Pro to use. At the time of our visit, it cost us £15 each to buy our videos and photos, but this has already increased – find up to date prices on the Zip World website.
• Penrhyn Quarry is dog-friendly! If you’re on holiday with your four-legged friends, you can bring your dogs with you to the site. There must be one member of your party with your dog at all times, and dogs are not permitted off lead. If everyone in your party is taking part in Velocity 2, Penrhyn Quarry offers a dog care service which must be booked in advance to guarantee a space for your dog. The perfect way for all the family to enjoy Velocity 2!

Where to stay for Velocity 2

Snowdonia Mountain Lodge. Just a 6 minute drive from Zip World, Snowdonia Mountain Lodge has a large range of rooms from single and twin to triple and family rooms, so there’s accommodation no matter the size of your party. Each room has a kitchenette with a fridge, kettle, microwave and tea and coffee maker, and free on-site parking is included with your stay. If you’re staying in the area beyond your visit to Zip World, there are walks and hikes straight from the site as the lodge itself is situated between peaks in Snowdonia National Park. Find out more and book your stay here.

4 Ty Person. This cosy and peaceful cottage sleeps up to 4 people and is just a 4 minute drive from Zip World. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious enclosed garden and free parking included, so you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing rest after your adrenaline-fuelled day at Penrhyn Quarry! The cottage also accommodates up to 2 pets so your four-legged friends can join you on your holiday. Find out more and book your stay here.

Ty Bryn. This former quarryman’s house provides a historic stay in the heart of Bethesda, just a 6 minute drive from Zip World. The home features 3 bedrooms sleeping up to 5 guests, plus a full kitchen and on-site parking making for a fuss-free stay. Modern and light decor in the comfortable living area make this house feel like a home from home, and there are many takeaway food options just a short walk away for those who want to treat themselves after conquering Velocity 2. Find out more and book your stay here.

Bryn Derwen Lodge. A spacious lodge sleeping up to 6 guests across 3 double bedrooms, just a 5 minute drive from Zip World. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen and dining area, free on-site private parking, and a fireplace in the comfortable lounge to relax by during colder months. For warmer times of year, guests can enjoy the lodge’s large private garden, complete with hot tub to calm your nerves after flying on Velocity 2! Guests are welcome to bring one dog per stay with them to enjoy this stunning, tranquil holiday home. Find out more and book your stay here.