There’s no doubt about it my boys love a bit of adventure, and climbing. In fact my 10 year old even got told off at Cub Scouts for climbing a tree! And when he fell off a tree swing over the brook he just rubbed his back and got on with it too. So when an e-mail popped into my inbox asking if we wanted to experience the UK’s leading tree top adventure Go Ape there was no doubt that the answer would be a yes.
But then we hit our first stumbling block. Obviously the courses are designed for adventure and a bit of thrill seeking, so our youngest two children could not go on the higher course, which happens to be the one more local to us. You would have thought then that we would just pick our older children to go to the nearer one then, so we did. Luckily I am the kind of person who likes to seek clarity and that is when I discovered that they were not allowed on alone – eek! It is obvious really, as it is for health and safety. The bigger course involves you unclipping and reclipping yourself on and off the course, so it involves an adult being with you. Trouble is, me and my better half don’t like heights! I can just about manage things that take away my control (like Stealth), but this would involve me actually putting myself out there, and not something I’d be brave enough to do.
So instead we opted for a two hour drive to Moors Valley Country Park, which also meant that 3 of our children could experience the Tree Top junior course (about 5m high). I’d even checked in regards to my youngest having special needs, and told that this was not a problem. The junior course is for those over 6 years old or 1 m tall. What we didn’t realise is that if you were under 6 then again you would need an adult.
Luckily the course (being a junior one) wasn’t so high, and my better half was volunteered to go up. He said that he didn’t feel so scared because of the safety harness.
The course was also shorter than the adult one and had been split into two, so that it was possible to get off without waiting until you got all the way to the end via the zipwire.
I was so proud watching them from all the ground. The 10 year old just flew around it, and is looking forward to going on the bigger course next year. Yes that is right, his brave dad is going to take him (and his big brother) on the Tree Top Adventure at our local one at The Forest of Dean – with the highest point being 15m.
The 6 year old only really stumbled on the tight rope. But even when both his feet slipped, and he was just dangling in the air, he did not cry or whimper. His dad came and helped pull him back up after he could not manage it himself.
As for my boy having special needs you just would not have guessed! He has always been a bit of a climber and was in his element! He too was a little frightened on the tight rope, and when the boards swung around his dad said was a bit difficult.
The staff were amazing, they were helpful, made sure the children knew all the safety rules, and answered all my questions without making me feel awkward (as well as sorting out a bit of a misunderstanding for me without question). I wish this course was a bit more local to me (our car broke down and it took over 5 hours to get back).
It is set in lovely grounds and we were very sad that we did not have time to do the Stick Man trail. You do pay for parking but the money goes to the forestry commission to help maintain the grounds.
This would make an excellent gift idea, especially for those aged 10 and up who can be hard to buy for.
Note to go on the bigger one my son needs to be over 1.40m as well as over 10 years old – mine was over this height on his 10th birthday.
We were gifted a free experience for my husband and 3 children in order to review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love go ape! We’ve done a couple of the courses but never seen the junior version – will be great when my boys are a bit older 🙂
So cool! I’m gutted there’s not a Stick Man trail near to us as I’d have loved to have gone too. The Go Ape stuff I’ve seen locally always looks fab – but not for my wimpy fear of heights 😉 x
I’ve always fancied doing Go Ape. Will look into it and see if there’s one near us as I think my kids would like it too.
I wish i wasn’t afraid of heights as Go Ape looks really cool! There is one near me. Now there’s an idea my son has a birthday in January so I will ask him if he fancies a party there.
I think they are closed until February though I’m afraid.
What a wonderful post Joy. It sounds like everyone had the best time and I love the photos. Fabulous review too 🙂
Looks loads of fun, and brave of your other half to get involved, too!
I know I am very proud of him.
My kids would love this, will have to look into it. I’d be the one taking the photos from the ground though 🙂 I can’t quite get my head round the concept of a ten year old being told off for climbing a tree – isn’t that what Cub Scouts are supposed to do?! #CountryKids
During our holiday in France we experienced their version which was fantastic. What an achievement for them all to complete the course – I bet they had a fab time. It’s such a shame to finish the day off with car trouble though, I hope it’s all sorted out now.
We did Go Ape at Moors Valley too! It’s lovely there isn’t it?
Great review Joy, and it looks like the boys all had a great time. I’m not a massive fan of heights either, this would definitely be one for daddy! #CountryKids
I’ve wanted to know more about Go Ape and now have my answers!
Great photos
I did the full one with my daughter for her 10th birthday! Scared me but so much fun too 🙂
Our nearest putting in junior course in for next year so may get both mine on it…
We had a go at the Go Ape at Moors Valley in February Half Term. Great fun. You did well to get those photos high up in the trees. Such a great experience.
We love Moors Valley but haven’t done the go ape trail yet but having read this we will definitely be taking the tall three year old very soon! #CountrtKids
Looks like everyone had a great time. We have a Go Ape near us, at Margam Park but have yet to try it out….it’s on the list!
That is so great to hear that there is a junior course! Our boys would love it although think the 5yr old needs to grow a little more! #countrykids
This looks like such a fun day out!
Ooh we have a new one near us that’s opened not long ago. It looks so good but so high up. Your boys are fearless. I’d love to try it one day.
i had a chance to do a Go Ape last year and i turned it down eeeek i think i should have said yes! this looks amazing and didnt your boys do well? awww just fab. My two will love to try this when they are bigger. great review and sounds like the perfect activity for adventerous and energetic boys x x
My boys love Moors Valley Go Ape and we’ve been a few times. Isaac is just tall enough now so we are going to take him in the new year and I might even be brave enough to try it myself (the junior one of course)
My older son would love to go ape. He enjoys climbing and going on a zip wire. Great experience!
It looks great but it would be my idea of hell – definitely one for the boys to do together
My boys would surely love this kind of adventure. Though I’m also afraid of heights.
I’ve heard lots of good things about the new junior Go Ape courses, it means my children are now old enough to do it so we must give it a go. They’ll love it, I’m not sure I will as more than four feet off the ground makes my head spin!