Fly down a huge zip wire or leap off tarzan swings and enjoy Go Ape’s high ropes obstacles in some of Britain’s most breath-taking scenery. Go Ape are all about living life more adventurously, having fun with friends and family and getting in touch with your inner Tarzan! The Go Ape experience features award winning high ropes, awesome crossings, tunnels, bridges and an epic wind-in-your-face zip wire to finish. I was taken to Buxton for my surprise birthday treat, and what a treat it was!
What’s the idea: A tree top adventure full of zip lines, tarzan swings, rope ladders and much more!
Who for: 10+, a great idea for hen or stag parties
Cost: ‘Gorillas’ (18+) £30-£32, ‘Baboons’ (10-17 years, over 1.4m) £24. Gift vouchers are also available
Where can I do it: There are 28 Go Ape locations, find your closest here
Where can I book: Go Ape website
TIG’s review
On a chilly August morning we set off on a drive through the beautiful peak district. I didn’t have a clue where I was going or what I was about to do. We arrived in Buxton and I soon noticed we were following the signs to Go Ape. This was such an incredible surprise as I had been wanting to do ‘Go Ape’ ever since it had opened. However, I wasn’t so sure about mum as she had always been so petrified of heights!
Once we had arrived, we signed our life away, had a full 30 minute safety briefing and donned the harness equipment. There was a small test area to practice clipping and unclipping the safety cords onto the wires. Then with a little apprehension we were let loose in the forest to begin our first ever Go Ape experience!
We clambered, climbed and jumped our way through wooden tunnels, tree top high wires, balancing over bridges, walkways and ladders. There were a couple of hair-raising moments when I thought GET ME DOWN! However, the instructors were on hand throughout the course to motivate and instruct us. After three hours of laughs, thrills and scary tarzan swings we had made it to the final zip wire. This was the most exhilarating and fulfilling feeling of achievement. We had done it!
The course was by no means easy, it was challenging in parts both mentally and physically. We were absolutely shattered at the end! You will be pleased to hear my mum made it around the full course and absolutely loved it, despite her fears. There are slightly easier routes to take if you are a little less adventurous than others.
Top tips
- Make sure you wear comfortable, hardwearing shoes that you don’t mind getting a little mucky
- Take some gloves – our hands got rather sore with the three hours of rope handling
Would I go again?
I probably wouldn’t go to the same course again, however, with over 28 Go Ape locations it would be great to try a different course. This is certainly a fantastic and fun form of exercise that will get the adrenalin pumping. This is the ideal hen or stag party idea and will definitely get everyone out of their comfort zone. You have to do Go Ape at least once – go on, discover your inner Jane!
If you have been to a Go Ape it would be great to hear from you. Just comment below which location you have visited and what you liked about it – hopefully we can cover all 28 locations between us!
For more photos on Idea #12: Go Ape tree top adventure, visit my board on Pinterest
