Wembley Stadium has installed a zip-wire across its historic pitch as its latest attraction. Reporter David Hardiman took a leap into the unknown.

I am a short man. I’ve been stuck at the back of many huge concerts and football matches, desperate to clamber over the freakishly tall people in front to see what everyone’s cheering about.

But hurtling at 25mph from more than 30m high over the most famous stadium in the world to do it wasn’t quite what I had in mind.

Standing at one of the highest points in the top tier of the 90,342-seater national stadium, being hooked up to the temporarily installed zip wire over the pitch, I began to wonder what I’d signed up for.

The 200m wire, installed for just two weeks after the Olympic football tournament finished, gives thrill seekers the chance to fly above the hallowed turf, travelling diagonally from the top corner of one side of the stadium, near the base of the 317m arch, to the foot of the other.

But before I got the chance to jump into the unknown, I was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic venue, taking in the England football team’s swanky dressing room and warm-up area, where the players’ shirts hung limply waiting for the next inevitable penalty shoot-out defeat.

Before getting my hands on a £70,000 replica FA Cup trophy – less valuable than the genuine article, which is insured for £21million – our guide Dominic led me out through the players’ tunnel onto the pitch, and up to the Royal Box for the best view.

Then I was led towards a team of safety instructors, whose job it was to attach harnesses to me to make sure I didn’t plummet onto the carpet-like Wembley grass – although I think the groundsman was far more concerned with the state of the playing surface than my vital organs.

I started exchanging nervous glances with the other men on our trip, each trying – and failing – to give the impression they held no fear as we were led up seemingly endless escalators towards the top the stadium.

And so there I was, perched at the top of an iconic venue, about to jump across turf that has been home to amazing moments such as Live Aid, England winning the 1996 World Cup, and Birmingham City triumphing over Arsenal in last year’s League Cup final – my personal favourite.

As you run down the steps and jump into the air, letting the zip wire fling you towards the ground, it is impossible not to feel in awe of the size of the incredible stadium around you, and the 15-second experience feels over too soon.

I barely had time to let out a terrified squeal and try an elegant pose for the camera, which ended in me just spinning out of control, limbs flailing.

And at £40 for adults and £30 for youngsters between 12-16, it does feel a little pricey – especially considering the extra £10 charge for a photo of your jump and £18 fee to park in the stadium’s official car park.

But it was great fun, and my overriding emotion when it was over was to want to try it again, so if you have the cash I would recommend sampling the experience before it ends next week.

And like me, you may conquer a fear or two in the process.

The Wembley Zip Wire tour runs until September 2. To book your place, click here or call 0844 800 2755.