At a glance
Zip World Titan at Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda is certified as the world's fastest zip line, with four parallel wires that fire riders in a prone flying position at speeds approaching 100mph over one of the largest slate quarries ever excavated. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience requiring advance booking and a reasonable level of fitness.
About Zip World Titan
Chwarel Penrhyn — Penrhyn Quarry — was once the largest slate quarry in the world, an industrial wound in the hillside above Bethesda carved over two centuries by thousands of quarrymen. Today its vast terraced galleries and sheer internal drops provide the backdrop for one of the most extreme recreational experiences in Europe. Zip World's Titan installation runs four parallel wires from the top of the quarry to a landing zone far below, with a drop and run length that consistently delivers speeds no other commercial zip line can match.
Riders launch in a prone position — face down, arms extended — a configuration borrowed from military and rescue operations that removes the seated drag of conventional zip lines and lets the wire's geometry do its full work. The acceleration in the early part of the descent is visceral: the quarry walls drop away on either side and the distant landing zone, which looked reassuringly close on the map, seems to recede rather than approach as the wire accelerates through its fastest section. The whole experience from launch to landing lasts less than a minute, which is simultaneously disappointing and entirely appropriate.
The quarry setting adds a layer of industrial heritage to the adventure. Penrhyn's slate once roofed much of the British Empire; the terraces visible during the descent represent generations of hard, dangerous labour. Zip World has invested significantly in the quarry's interpretation, and a pre-ride briefing touches on the site's history before adrenaline takes over. Four riders launch simultaneously, making Titan the only major zip line in the world where you can race your companions side by side.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Titan is certified as the world's fastest zip line, reaching speeds of up to 100mph (161 km/h). Riders are positioned in a prone (face-down) flying position, which reduces wind resistance and contributes to the extreme speeds achieved over the length of the wire.
The zip line descends over Penrhyn Quarry — one of the largest slate quarries in the world — from a height of around 500 metres above sea level. The quarry itself is over 350 metres deep, creating a dramatic void that gives the ride its extraordinary sense of exposure and speed.
Riders must weigh between 50kg and 130kg. The minimum age is 7, though riders aged 7–15 are limited to the single wire version rather than the full Titan quad wire. Riders aged 16 and over access the full experience. All participants must be able to walk unaided across uneven terrain at the quarry.
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended and usually essential. Titan is one of Zip World's most popular experiences and slots fill weeks ahead during peak summer months. Book directly on the Zip World website for the best availability. Walk-up sessions are very rarely available.
Titan is the headline speed experience — the longest, fastest single zip wire in the Zip World portfolio. Zip World Velocity at Dinorwig is also extremely fast and high, while Zip World Fforest in the Betws-y-Coed area offers a multi-wire forest experience at lower speed. Bounce Below at Llechwedd is an underground trampoline attraction. Each is a distinct experience.
Zip World provides harnesses and helmets. Wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for the weather and secure, closed-toe footwear — no sandals or flip-flops. Long hair should be tied back. Remove loose jewellery. Even in summer the speeds create a significant wind chill, so a windproof layer is advisable.