Is Alton Towers new Thi3teen ride as scary as they say?

Mar 21 2010 by Steve Wollaston, Sunday Mercury

IF YOU go down to the woods at Alton Towers today you’re sure of a big surprise – but be warned there is no sign of a picnic.

On Friday night I was invited along with a band of courageous celebrities including Sarah Harding, Jonathan Ross, Bill Bailey and Gail Porter to be one of the first to brave ‘Britain’s scariest rollercoaster’ TH13TEEN.

It has been described as a ‘psycoaster’, a ride that combines physical fear with psychological fear and comes with the warning that it is not for the faint-hearted.

Usually, the most daring thing I do is risk a vindaloo instead of a jalfrezi.

Resort bosses warned us of a petrifying ride venturing into the seemingly living and breathing forest.

I was determined not to be heard squealing like a big girl, so I took my family with me safe in the knowledge that my eldest daughter would scream far louder than I possibly could.

The new £15m coaster is built on the site of the world famous Corkscrew ride.

Just to make us a little more uneasy, we were greeted by faceless wraiths in robes who had a sinister manner I found most unhelpful. There was plenty of gallows humor as we waited in the darkness to board TH13TEEN.

We were briefed that we were to face the unknown horror that has been unleashed in the ancient crypt on the site of Alton Abbey.

Ok, ok, I get it! Let’s get this over with – stop making me even more nervous.

In fact, I haven’t been this nervous since I asked the other half to marry me.