High in the hill and zooming along on a hair-raising adventure is a real kick start for a fun seeking adrenaline buzz!
And the best of it is that’s it’s just a 20 minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh. The Midlothian Snowsports Centre’s Alpine Coaster is the first of its kind in Scotland and it’s a wee belter.
Perched high at the end of the Pentland Hills in the hamlet of Hillend, the sporting sensation is gathering a huge fan club keen to put a smile on their faces.
The 980 metre coaster is the same size as Beinn a’ Chochuill Munro, a mountain in the Grampians, just east of Loch Etive in Argyll and Bute. And the views are just as stunning, looking over to Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth while whizzing along.
Brilliantly organised and run by an enthusiastic and helpful team, the coaster is a great attraction for young and old, with four years up allowed on with an adult and nine year olds upwards can go independently.
Most snap up three rides, with the first giving a chance to see what to expect. It’s all easy to understand and once strapped in, it’s time to go.
The coaster has a simple push down gear to go and back to brake and it’s a slow ascent to the top, before hitting the speed and zipping around the course which has a 360 degree helix and a vertical drop of around 74 metres.
With a maximum speed of 28mph, it’s important to ensure leaning with the coaster to give that extra zoom factor and the ride lasts around three minutes, so an extra two go’s gives a chance to be more daring and keep off the brake.
And on a clear day it’s lovely just to slow down and enjoy the simply magnificent views of some of Scotland’s finest scenery.
It’s a fun way to let off some steam, get outdoors and appreciate the surroundings!
The Midlothian Alpine Coaster has a car park below and special access for people with mobility issues. Open six days a week except for Wednesdays, the slots start at 11:00am with varying finishing times and Wednesday openings in the school holidays. From 1st August prices are £7 for a single ride or a driver/passenger entry for £14, available on off-peak days of Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, £19 for three rides used by the same person and driver and passenger, £38 for the same option.
Next to the alpine coaster there are facilities for ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and abilities, as well as tubing and an on-site café.
For more information on the Midlothian Snowsports Centre and to make a booking, please visit: www.midlothian.gov.uk.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photograph courtesy of Midlothian Council
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