Zipwire

A Zipwire is a steel cable stretched from a high point down to a lower one, with a pulley called a trolley that runs along it. You're clipped to the trolley by a harness, step off the platform and whizz down the wire above the ground, until a brake slows you gently at the end. It's the closest most of us will get to flying.

Zipwires go by lots of names. You might hear them called a flying fox or an aerial runway, but they all work in the same simple way: gravity pulls you down and the wire keeps you on track.

Playground Zipwires are short and low, with a seat to hold on to rather than a harness.

Treetop Zipwires link platforms high in the forest, so you fly from tree to tree on an adventure course.

Tower Zipwires launch from the top of a tall tower and run a long way down to a landing zone, often with big views on the way.

Twin Zipwires run side by side, so two riders can launch together and race each other to the bottom. Some long Zipwires even let you ride lying face-down, superhero style.

Every ride starts with a safety briefing on the ground. Then your helmet and harness are fitted and checked, and you climb the steps up to the launch platform. At the top, your Activity Leader clips your harness onto the trolley and double-checks everything.

When it's your turn, you sit back into your harness, hold on to the straps and step off. The wire takes your weight straight away, and you glide down with the wind rushing past. Many Zipwires have a brake system near the end, so you slow down smoothly without having to do anything. At the bottom, someone helps you unclip, and you'll probably want to go straight back up again.

Yes, it's a brilliant confidence booster. The hardest part is usually that first step off the platform, and the whoop that follows is worth every nervous moment. Children often surprise themselves, and it's a lovely thing to share as a family, especially on a twin wire where you can race each other down.

Zipwires have minimum and maximum weight limits so the harness and brake work properly, so it's worth checking those before you go.

Trousers or shorts that sit comfortably under a harness, and closed-toe shoes with good grip for the tower steps. Tie back long hair, secure your glasses and empty your pockets, so nothing can fall out mid-flight. And bring your courage!

You might also like Tree Canopy Gondola, Aerial Bungee and Climbing Wall.

See all Camp Kindling activities