After a couple of months contemplation, I have come to the conclusion that this summer I had one of the best experiences of my life in North Wales. Furthermore it was underground in North Wales armed only with a head torch and a harness.
It was the wonderful Go Below Ultimate Extreme in the disused Cwmorthin Slate Mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog. 8 hours of adrenaline inducing activities that pushed me to overcome fears and complete activities that I would not have imagined were available.
It all started in a rainy car park, a little storage container in the corner holding the equipment that we were soon adorning and our two fantastic guides, Sonia and Beth, waiting to help us get ready. It was a 30 minute walk up to the entrance of the mine and then the fun began. After a quick training session (and I do mean quick, there was no labouring of the point) on how to use the carabiners, I found myself stepping out on to a very small metal peg that was protruding out of the cave wall. As I look down in to the darkness my head torch doesn't find the floor as I am over 100ft above it. This 30ft long traverse was only the start as we move swiftly and carefully through the mine. We traversed around numerous caverns, zip lined across more, abseiled down several shafts and climbed back up more. Our surroundings were authentic, there is no light (except the one on your hard hat) and the mines have been left as they were when the miners exited for the final time, dozens of years ago. The walls are mucky and the floors are uneven. Some of the passages were filled with water and it was great fun to wade through it, passing abandoned mine carts and broken rails.
The Ultimate Extreme holds two particularly brilliant moments amongst the excitement. The first is Goliath, the longest zip line underground in the UK, and it is huge. It is long enough to not quite be able to see the head torches of the rest of the group at the other end! You genuinely feel small as you zip down it, lost in the darkness for a few moments hundreds of feet below ground level. The other moment is an optional end to the day. A 70ft free fall drop in to the darkness. As I leapt off the ledge, I knew that this day would be sealed in my memory. The day was filled with laughter, momentary doubts that weren't allowed to settle before tackling exciting challenges, unique experiences and nuggets of history that are otherwise hidden.
The Ultimate Extreme adventure is worth every penny. The guides are superb, the equipment is excellent, the location is unique and the activities are amazing. The website is www.go-below.co.uk and you have to book a date. Wear waterproof trousers, wellies and a waterproof jacket, layer up as it is a little chilly below ground and take a packed lunch and water. It will be a great adventure.