Unleash Your Inner Ape: A Guide to Go Ape Activities (For Real!)

Unleash Your Inner Ape: A Guide to Go Ape Activities (For Real!)

Okay, so Go Ape isn’t just another day out – it’s a proper adventure. Think Tarzan, but with slightly better safety measures! It’s about getting outdoors, testing your mettle, and maybe discovering you’re braver than you thought. With tons of locations dotted around, from the wilds of Scotland right down to sunny Devon in the UK, and a fair few in the US too, there’s bound to be a Go Ape near you. They’ve got something for everyone, whether you fancy swinging through the treetops like a monkey on a mission, tackling some seriously wobbly obstacles, or just exploring the woods at ground level. Trust me, it’s a blast.

Treetop Adventures: Get High (Literally!)

The heart and soul of Go Ape is definitely up in the trees. These high ropes courses give you a completely different view of the forest – and a good dose of adrenaline! You’ll be climbing, swinging, and zipping your way through the canopy, feeling like you’re starring in your own action movie.

• Treetop Challenge: This is the big one, the course everyone raves about. If you’re over 10, at least 4ft 7in tall, and up for a proper challenge, this is it. We’re talking mega zip lines that’ll make you scream (in a good way!), Tarzan swings that’ll test your nerve, rope ladders that wobble like crazy, and all sorts of other tricky bits and bobs. It usually takes a good two or three hours to complete, so pace yourself!
• Treetop Adventure Plus: Think of this as the Treetop Challenge’s slightly less scary cousin. It’s still got plenty of thrills, but it’s suitable for slightly younger adventurers – anyone over 4ft tall and six years old can give it a go. It’s a great mix of zip lines and crossings that’ll definitely get your heart pumping.
• Treetop Adventure: Got little ones? This is perfect. It’s designed for kids over 3ft 3in tall and it’s a brilliant intro to the world of high ropes. It’s only an hour long, but it’s jam-packed with wobbly bridges, tricky crossings, and a zip wire to finish. Guaranteed smiles (and maybe a few shrieks!).
• Challenge Plus: This one’s a bit special, only available at a few locations. If you’re a thrill-seeker aged 10 or over, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Ground-Based Adventures: Keep Your Feet on the Forest Floor

Go Ape isn’t all about being up in the air. They’ve also got some cool stuff to do on terra firma, for those who prefer solid ground under their feet.

• Forest Segways: Ever fancied gliding through the woods on two wheels? These all-terrain Segways are the way to do it. They’re surprisingly easy to master (once you get the hang of the leaning thing!) and they’re a brilliant way to explore the forest trails. Just remember, they’re for adults and kids over 7 stone.
• Axe Throwing: Right, who wants to channel their inner Viking? Axe throwing is seriously addictive. You get an hour to hurl axes at a target and try to hit the bullseye. It’s surprisingly therapeutic! You need to be over 16 to give it a go.
• Forest Escape: Forget escape rooms in stuffy buildings – this is the real deal. You’re in the middle of the forest, solving puzzles and cracking codes to escape. It’s a great team activity and a whole lot of fun.
• Mini Land Rovers: At some locations, the little ones can get behind the wheel of a Mini Land Rover and tear around an off-road course. How cool is that?

Other Activities

And if all that wasn’t enough, some Go Ape locations have even more up their sleeves!

• Nets Adventure: Imagine bouncing around in giant nets suspended high above the forest floor. Sounds fun, right?
• Archery Tag: Think dodgeball, but with bows and arrows. (Don’t worry, the arrows have soft tips!).
• Forest Biking: Explore the trails on two wheels.
• The Plummet: Free-fall from a great height. Not for the faint-hearted!

Safety First (Seriously!)

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Is this safe?” And the answer is a resounding YES! Go Ape takes safety incredibly seriously. Before you even think about climbing a tree, you’ll get a thorough safety briefing and training session from their expert instructors. They kit you out with a harness and show you exactly how to use the safety system, so you’re always securely attached to the course. They use two main systems: continuous belay, where you’re always connected, and self-belay, where you clip and unclip yourself (but always have at least one line attached).

They’ve even won awards for their commitment to safety – they’ve got the RoSPA Gold Award for Health and Safety Practices seven years running! Plus, they have technical rescue advisors and super-strict equipment checks. So you can relax and enjoy the adventure, knowing you’re in safe hands.

Planning Your Adventure

Ready to go ape? (Sorry, I had to!). Head over to the Go Ape website to find your nearest location and check out what activities they offer. Booking in advance is a must, as the courses get booked up quickly. And don’t forget to check the age, height, and weight restrictions for each activity.

Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush or just a fun day out with the family, Go Ape is an experience you won’t forget. So get out there, unleash your inner ape, and get ready for some serious fun in the trees!