The industrial revolution transformed Doncaster and the North of England. Where once you’d find flocks of sheep and quiet villages, in the space of a few decades your views would take in coal mines, textile factories and shipping docks. To connect these new enterprises together it was essential to build railways. The River Don was an obstacle for engineers, as tall ships needed to travel up and down stream without being slowed down by bridges. The solution they came up with was to build a viaduct, a structure that ensured smooth transit of trains and boats by raising the railway high above the river. At almost half a kilometre long, and 35 m high (that’s as tall as a 12 storey building), the Conisbrough viaduct is an impressive reminder of the region’s industrial past. But what to do with it now that there are no trains or even tracks that span the viaduct? Don’t worry, the inventive minds of the industrial North have given it a new role - it’s the stage for an adrenaline kick like no other: a bungee jump.

With the river below, woods to one side and fields to the other and views to Doncaster to the North, this is a real beauty spot. We’re sure you’ll get a new perspective of it as you stand at the edge of the bridge and build up the courage to leap into thin air! Once you’re in the air, you’ll experience freefall: the pull of gravity and the wind in your hair that so many daredevils find addictive. As you approach the ground below, your bungee rope will smoothly reduce your speed and leave you bouncing between the arches of the viaduct, before being winched back up to the top and telling your story of how you jumped off a bridge and survived.

Kinds of jumps available

- Single jump: “I’ll try anything once!” Most of us have said this at some point in our lives, but how many are really brave enough to prove that claim? No one will be able to doubt your courage if you can tell them you’ve gone bungee jumping off a viaduct. The journey starts by walking along the viaduct, which was resurfaced as a cycle track after the trains stopped running, to about halfway. Here, at the highest point of the viaduct, is the jump zone, a special platform equipped with harnesses, ropes and m of course, bungee cord. Once you’re strapped in and have been checked numerous times by the expert team, it’s just you and gravity. Do you dare to look down? Or will you keep your eyes closed and simply step forwards into the void? It doesn’t matter how you do it, the thrill of a lifetime will be your reward for taking this challenge.

- FAB jump: this is a fabulous experience, but that’s not the reason for the name. In fact, it stands for Front and Back. That’s right, you’ll make two jumps: the first a standard forward-facing jump where you can see exactly where you’re going, and the second a true test of your nerves. You’ll face towards the bridge with your heels at the edge of a precipice, or alternatively begin from a hanging position, before the drop. You won’t be able to see what’s coming, so just focus on the experience of freefall, the rush of air past your ears and the bricks of the viaduct transformed into a blur as you zoom down. Two jumps are better than one and the FAB experience is one that will stay with you long after you leave the city.

Requirements to do this activity

Only the bravest, or craziest, among us are likely to go for this challenge. But if you dare yourself to do it there are a couple of things to bear in mind. Firstly, you must be over 14 years of age to complete a bungee jump, and if you’re under 16 you need your parents’ permission. The reason for this is that this sport works on a system of informed participation - in other words, you need to understand what you’re signing up for in order to give your consent.

There are other reasons why young children can’t do it - you’ll use a safety harness, this is the thing that connects you to the bungee cord, and these will fit people with waist size between 40 and 125 centimetres (that’s 15.7 and 50 inches). Weight is a factor too - the upper safety limit for the equipment is 18.9 stone, or 120 kilograms.

Finally, it’s important to be in good health if you want to do it. Anyone with medical conditions related to the heart, blood pressure or brain should consult their doctor before the activity and, if they’re given the all clear, ask for a signed note. The same goes for injuries to the neck, spine, legs or eyes, or any issues with these body parts. Talking of eyes, take your glasses off before jumping and don’t wear hard contact lenses!

Is it a safe experience?

As we’ve mentioned above, there are restrictions on the people who can take part in this sport and that’s all part of the “safety first”. That’s a good motto when you consider that involves throwing yourself off.

While these restrictions affect you, the jump providers also operate under strict regulations to ensure that you’ll leave the venue with a smile on your face, and not a plaster or a bandage in sight. The equipment that you’ll use is of the highest quality, and operates on the principle of redundancy, which means that back up systems are in place in the unlikely event of the failure of one element of the kit. And the final piece of the puzzle is the team, who are competent, well trained, and sport enthusiasts themselves. You’re in good hands with them, and they’ll do their best to make your experience fun and worry-free as well.

Though Conisbrough Viaduct has been standing for over 100 years, it’s in very good condition. It underwent extensive renovation works during the conversion from railway bridge to cycle track and jump platform, so relax and enjoy its impressive design, as you plunge past it towards the ground!

If you’re game, so are we - let’s make your dream come true. Book today!