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Paultons Park Hatch Cobra

A week ago I received an email which was a bit of a surprise,

"Congratulations . . . We are delighted to tell you that you have won the chance to ride THE COBRA before it opens to the public on Saturday 18th March."

A surprise as I didn't know I'd entered a competition! I just thought I'd signed up to the emailing list for updates on Paultons Park's new Gerstlauer bobsled coaster the Cobra, but this was fantastic news, s myself and Julie (my mum) arranged to go to the park on the morning of the 15th March, for an exclusive ride on the Cobra.

We met Janet the park's Senior Marketing Administrator, who greeted us and took us through the park to the ride, when we arrived the empty cars with their cool snake themed faces were gliding around the radiant blue track

We were lead up the entrance ramp and around the fresh yellow zigzag queue line fences onto the loading platform and boarded the ride. The seats are very comfortable, with a seat belt across the lap and the sturdy lapbar restraint reassuringly clanks into place.

It's a Brisk climb to the very top of the lift hill. It's quite a cliché to say "it's a nice view from up there" when doing a ride review, but it really is pleasant to look out over the magnificently landscaped park and the beautiful surrounding countryside on such a glorious sunny morning.

The car swoops down the wonderful sweeping banked drop, every movement on this coaster is so gentle, graceful and fun, even the mouse-like zigzag hairpin bends are done without any of that usual mouse coaster jolting.

It's a very quiet ride too, Cobra hardly makes any hiss as it slithers through the twisty helix spirals and into the bunny hops section, the last hop plunges into a darkened "shed of dread" before a final coiled helix into the break run.

There's a lot of gentle air which is appropriate for this style of coaster, a family friendly ride inviting and exhilarating guests of a very broad age range, the perfect addition to this family focused park.

"Have as many goes as you like" - definitely the wrong phrase to tell a pair of coaster nuts but we restrained ourselves and decided five times around was a fair amount

Afterwards we were taken on a tour of the park, the grounds and gardens are beautifully maintained and I'm sure in the summer when in full bloom it must be a remarkable backdrop for a family day out

The rides, wildlife and attractions a very well spaced out, I'm sure when its busy it must never feel that crowded

Janet says the park are completely surprised by the interest they've had in Cobra, they never knew that there were people, clubs and organised groups who are interested in riding roller coasters

It truly is a wonderful addition to Paultons Park, I really wish the park all the best and hope they have a great season and the investment pays off for them, I'm sure their guests are going to love it!

Huge thanks to Janet and everyone at Paultons for making us feel very welcome, and running the ride just for us! You can ride the Cobra from 18th March when it opens to the public.