A GANG of terrifying clowns, a 100ft drop through a trapdoor, and the largest five-seater swing in Europe returned to North Wales for the first night of Zip World’s Halloween experience.

Based at its Betws-y-Coed site, Ffear Fforest is back this year from October 11 to November 3, in what is dubbed “North Wales’ ultimate scare-fest”.

I took in the opening night experience – and was greeted by clowns from the moment I arrived in the car park.

Set in an eerily lit secluded woodland area with clouds of smoke at your every turn, Ffear Fforest is not for the faint-hearted.

Ffear Fforest, Betws-y-CoedFfear Fforest, Betws-y-Coed (Image: Newsquest) We start the night with a ride on the Cursed Coaster, the UK’s only two-seated Alpine coaster of its kind, which sees you rise up a rickety 365-metre track in the dark of night, then embark on a thrilling 710-metre descent at breakneck speed, darting through the trees.

The nail-biting ascent up Cursed CoasterThe nail-biting ascent up Cursed Coaster (Image: Newsquest) Next is Nightfall, where after making your way to the summit of a 100ft tower, you’re placed in a harness before suddenly freefalling through the floor, either on your own or, mercifully, with a partner.

Nightfall, Ffear FforestNightfall, Ffear Fforest (Image: Newsquest) There’s also Screamride, where you and up to four others and suspended high in the cold, autumnal air, before one person is tasked with pulling the lever which sends you all soaring through the sky.

It’s an adrenaline-fuelled rush at first, and even as you begin to slow down and regain (some) composure, there are incredible views of the Conwy Valley and the night sky to take in.

Clowns terrorise the entire forest, but nowhere are they more prevalent than at The Nets, a bouncy adventure at great heights featuring slides and walkways where at least one painted-faced individual is never too far behind.

One guest is confronted by a clown at Ffear FforestOne guest is confronted by a clown at Ffear Fforest (Image: Newsquest)

The Nets, Ffear FforestThe Nets, Ffear Fforest (Image: Newsquest) All of Ffear Fforest’s activities see participants fitted with a camera, so you can scan a QR code and watch yourself in action if you live to tell the tale, while there’s also a bar and café area providing tasty treats, including a selection of drinks from Snowdon Craft Beer.

Bookings for this year’s Ffear Fforest events in Betws-y-Coed can be made by visiting Zip World’s website.