I tried England’s fastest zipline at speeds of 60mph – and kids will love it

IT’S true what they say – time flies when you’re having fun. Soaring through the air 96 metres above the ground, my arms outstretched like a bird’s wings, Skywire – England’s fastest zipline – may not be for the faint hearted, but it sure is fun. The Skytrek high ropes adventure Credit: Unknown Hangloose’s thrilling Skywire zipline Credit: Unknown After a brief out-of-body moment, gawping at my lush surroundings as I whizzed over the treetops, I thudded back to reality, my harness softly colliding with the zipline brake. The experience was over all too fast, but the thrill remained. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! And so much adrenalin was pumping through my veins that I didn’t know if I would burst into giggles or throw up. Skywire is just one of three thrilling experiences at Cornwall’s Hangloose Adventure, which sits next to the Eden Project, near St Austell. The epic zipline catapults riders down a 660-metre wire at up to 60mph, earning it the accolade of the fastest in the country. I’ve jumped out of an aeroplane at 14,000ft over the Great Barrier Reef, so you’d think it would be a doddle for me. But since then my fear levels have heightened somewhat and I felt stupidly petrified, floating on my belly well above the trees while a safety guide secured my harness to the wire. Luckily, visitors don’t have much time to stew over their decision before they are propelled forwards, soaring over the domed roofs of the Eden Project. Most read in The Sun “What a GREAT day,” my godson Cooper beamed at me, mulling over which attraction was his favourite. His chest puffed with pride as he recalled the moment when Gravity, a giant three-seater swing, sent us plummeting at 50mph towards the earth, bottoms rising out of our seats before we swooped forwards. His achievement was all the more impressive as he is only eight, the youngest a child can be to experience Skywire, Gravity and third attraction Skytrek. There are weight requirements too, which vary per attraction, and children who are on the lighter side may be required to wear a weighted vest. Our entourage below applauded as Cooper swung like a graceful monkey between pillars and trees while I clumsily raced behind, puffing and stiff. Although probably the least scary of the trio, the high ropes course Skytrek was certainly the most challenging. The aim is to reach the end of the course without falling, and it was no easy feat. We clambered over spinning logs, balanced on tightropes and crawled through wonky tunnels to the safety of the next tall pillar. Of course we were strapped in by harness, so couldn’t really fall, but that didn’t make the experience any less scary when we took a little wobble. After successfully completing all pillar challenges, we reached the mini zipwire that launched us back to safety below. Throwing himself forwards, Cooper squealed with joy as he victoriously flew towards the ground. I told you, time really does fly when you’re having fun – especially at Hangloose. Hangloose Cornwall’s attractions can be paid for separately, from £24.79, or as a package from £72 to £89pp. See hanglooseadventure.com/eden/. Comment now