A zip line which flies above a blue lake reserve is opening tomorrow (February 15) at a waterside leisure venue.

KentOnline was invited to St Andrew’s Lakes, in Halling, near Strood, ahead of the launch to be one of the first to try its unique experience.

I have done my fair share of adrenaline-filled activities, like being dropped 46 metres on Europe’s biggest swing, but I have never had the opportunity to try out a zip wire - well one which is not at a children’s playground.

So I jumped at the chance to try out St Andrew’s Lakes’ latest attraction which sees you soar over the former quarry and its stunning blue lake after pushing yourself off a 33ft tower.

On arrival, the team suited me up with a harness and helmet before we got in the jeep and drove up the steep hill to “The Zip Zone”.

We then started the ascent to reach the top of the tower and once at the starting platform, I realised how high above the nature reserve we were as the end point was just a dot in the landscape.

The team attached the harness to the first zip wire and once safely secured, I sat down and propped my legs up on the edge of the platform, held onto the handles above, ready for them to count me down.

When they shouted “Go” I pushed off and started speeding down the line, taking in the fantastic views across the nature reserve and beyond.

I can imagine in the summer months, it would make for an even better view as the sun reflects off the water below.

It is a really unique experience and great fun even if a little surreal when you remember you are dangling above the huge lake but the team are brilliant and make sure you feel safe and comfortable the whole time.

Plans to open a zip wire at the centre have been in the works since 2019 as bosses at St Andrew’s Lakes looked to expand the business and provide activities all year round.

Media manager Hobbie Stuart said: “We have envisioned offering a zip wire experience ever since we have been here.

“With the incredible views from our top field and the beauty of the lake below, it was a no-brainer.

“Unlike many of our water-based activities, The Zip Zone provides an adventure that is available all year round, further expanding our land activity offering and literally taking the St Andrew’s Lakes experience to new heights.

“Prior to opening day, we invited around 150 friends and family of staff members to test it out and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“Everyone loved it, and even those with a fear of heights found they could conquer them with the help of our supportive staff and the secure setup. In fact, plenty of them enjoyed it so much that they went back for a second go.

“We could not be more excited to offer this new adventure to all of our visitors. It really is a beautiful experience and a safe way to enjoy our nature from a completely different and thrilling perspective.”

The Zip Zone is available to book from Saturday, February 15. You can find out more here.

Plans for two zip lines, the 33ft tower, and other attractions, including an outdoor activity centre, were approved in July 2022 as many supported the firm’s new venture.

Almost 100 letters of support were received, praising the scheme and saying it would be a good asset for the community and tourism and a great destination for children.

However, some people, including Halling Parish Council, objected to the proposals and raised concerns over potential noise and its effect on wildlife and the peace of the beauty spot.

An acoustic assessment completed by the unit found that the zip wire noise was shown to be equal to the background noise measured.

It was concluded that the zip wires would have “no harmful effects”.

Read more: We try jet boarding at St Andrew’s Lakes in Halling.

There are a raft of other activities available at the site including kayaking, diving, paddle-boarding, canoeing, open-water swimming, an aqua park and sailing.