The Olympics may be a fading memory but Queen Elizabeth Park is now home to a new challenge that will test your body and spirit.

Thrill seekers with a head for heights can now take on the UK’s highest freefall abseil from the top of the iconic red ArcelorMittal Orbit.

Never one to turn down a chance to try something new I mustered my courage, ignored my boyfriend’s comments that “you could die“ and went along to find out if I would be able to take the plunge.

I joined a group of brave souls at the bottom of the crazy, twisting structure, made from 2,000 tonnes of steel, and was kitted out with a harness and helmet with a GoPro ready to capture all the scenery – and shrieks!

The Orbit, a continually looping red steel tower conceived and designed by Turner Prize-winning artist Sir Anish Kapoor and structural designer Cecil Balmond to mark the London 2012 Games, is already open to visitors and the lift opened to a viewing platform full of people enjoying the scenery – we were going to have an audience.

They would either be taking the high-speed lift or 455-step spiral staircase down to earth but we were ready for a more thrilling descent.

The first daredevil edged out onto the platform and I waddled down the stairs in my heavy gear to watch her sail passed the window. She was smiling – always a good sign.

The pressure mounted as one girl buckled at the last moment – choosing to keep her feet on solid ground – well the metal of the Orbit any way. And then it was, last but not least, my turn.

As I stepped out onto the edge and glanced down at the 80-metre drop it suddenly looked incredibly high – I couldn’t even see the people waiting for me at the bottom because of the curve of the structure – and my heart did flutter briefly.

The hardest part was walking my feet down to the point were I could hang freely and my poor short legs had to make quite a stretch. But the feeling when I lifted my feet off and began to hoist my self down through the crisp air was incredible.

That was until I realised I had forgotten to turn my GoPro on. Do not do this!

I spent the next two minutes calling plaintively to the instructors above and trying to fumble round with what seemed like the smallest device in the world through a pair of thick gloves – too scared to take one off in case I dropped it. Finally I pushed the button and leant back to relax.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The views, even on this slightly misty day, were stunning, stretching for 20 miles and taking in London’s iconic buildings such as The Shard, The Gherkin, St Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf and Wembley Stadium, as well as the world-famous sporting venues of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

You control how fast you descend and can either leisurely float down or go as fast as your arms can move, with the design of the abseiling equipment meaning you don’t have the fear of letting go and plummeting to earth.

There were moments when I simply hung there, enjoying the peace and quiet and the knowledge that I was truly all alone with no one able to come along and start nattering away to me – bliss.

I was sad to have to finally make my way back down to earth – where my boyfriend was waiting nervously – but had the satisfaction of gloating that not only had I, of course, arrived back safely, but had enjoyed an amazing and beautiful experience.

One I would do again in a heartbeat.

ArcelorMittal Orbit, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Thornton Street, Stratford, E20 2ST. Abseils can be booked on April 25, May 24, June 21, June 28, July 11 and August 8. Details: 0333 800 8099, arcelormittalorbit.com