Baboon Adventures is an electric scooter guided adventure around the beautiful forest in the Farleigh Wallop Estate. The Twilight Adventures are, as they sound, are for when night falls. Suitable for all ages and experiences we headed over on the evening of Halloween to review the experience for ourselves.
Baboon Adventures, Charlton Park Estate, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9RU
What 3 Words: teaspoons.guessing.brilliant
- 07425389310
- info@baboonadventures.com
Our Halloween Twilight Baboon Adventure
Our children are obviously getting older now and I thought that a Twilight Baboon Adventure would be a bit more of a grown up way to spend Halloween. Unfortunately, one son couldn’t make it back from University, another one hurt his leg during a half marathon, just leaving our youngest along with myself and my husband.
Overall it was fantastic. Really clear instructions on where to find it, staff fantastic, and a good mixed route. At all times there were 3 staff members ensuring everyone was okay and accounted for. They even took out a plastic pumpkin bucket with sweets for when we had our break. Plus there was a bit of a spooky story!
For reference our youngest is 15 1/2 and he enjoyed himself.
Not Being Able to Control the Electric Scooter
Personally, I just could not get on with it. They were really kind in saying it was probably because I am left-handed and that the ground was uneven. It is more likely that it is due to my AuDHD and I just struggle with new things, and then felt like I would just be holding everyone up.
This was literally me though and the staff didn’t rush me and were really kind and patient. Everyone else managed just fine. It was just that you have to turn the handle bars in the direction you want to turn and I couldn’t manage that without keep turning the handle bar to accelerate more.
At this point they said I could be a passenger. Actually I think this was a better experience for me as I got to enjoy the trail in full – really looking around.
Things to Know Before You Go to Baboon Adventures
Getting there
Make sure to download the directions sheet. There isn’t a lot of signage up and the Estate is very big with over ten entrances! Also some GPS routes may try to send you through private access routes that are not available. For example, the road “Park Street” past Charlton Church!
It says:
- Turn into the Charlton Park Estate Business Park – off the A429 (Crudwell Road). It is also signed towards “Auto Barn” and “Car Wash.”
- Next head straight for around 150m where the road bears right.
- Follow the high red brick wall on the right for around 100m until it ends.
- Immediately take a small turning right onto gravel track with trees either side.
- Keep going for around 150m until you see the blue (shipping containers) Baboon Adventures’ Base.
- Opposite the blue containers, next to the brick wall, is parking.
- Do not go as far as the stables/estate office – if you do then turn around until you get back to the brick wall!
Basically if you go in through the right entrance it is really simple that you just follow the wall. The blue shipping containers will probably have the doors open (and therefore not look blue) but it is really obvious that you are there!
Baboon Adventures Restrictions
Although it is an adventure for everyone of course there are some rules.
Passengers
Passengers have to be over 5 years old, and drivers over 12. Sometimes younger passengers can be accommodated however – so ring to discuss.
Obviously this also means you can drive solo or with a passenger. However, there is a max 130kgs combined weight limit. Recommendations being one adult with small child. The more weight on the electric scooter the slower it will go. This is especially difficult up the hills, through long grass and when it is muddy!
To be able to take a passenger then the driver must handle the electric scooter confidently.
Passengers can have a go at the controls with the assistance of the driver.
Smaller drivers may find it more difficult with a bigger passenger – as it requires more arm and body strength to turn.
Where Passengers Sit
Smaller passengers can sit in front of the driver, as long as over their head can be seen sufficiently.
Taller passengers sit behind the driver, but must have long enough legs to reach the foot panels. They must also hold the drivers waist tightly.
About the Route
The route goes through the beautiful Charlton Park Estate – on private paved roads, forest trails, grassy plains, bumpy farm tracks, muddy areas and more!
It is a family adventure and not an extreme activity for ultimate daredevils or serious quad riders. Although some speed will be got in open sections time is taken through the more technical/bumpy routes.
Mostly riders are in single file – with plenty of stops to where everyone is going next. This also ensures that everyone is kept together. It does mean you can only go as fast as the person in front. It also gave plenty of opportunities for them to take photos – and video footage.
It also felt very progressive – with easier bits of the course first. There was also a point where (when stopped) they could adjust the electric scooter to allow it to go faster for you.
As well as being aware that it goes ahead in all conditions, and therefore can be very muddy, I think you should also consider that parts of the track have small stones flying everywhere – which may be why sunglasses are advised!
RULES at Baboon Adventures
- No wheelies!
- Stay seated.
- Do not drive on the manicured grass.
- No contact, racing or unsuitable driving. Leave a good distance between you and other drivers.
- Not rules but they do suggest you flick the power off when you’ve stopped. Occasionally they ask the same with the headlights- these are both easy with a flick of a switch.
- It’s also really important to keep your feet on the foot well – as tempting as it may be to put your foot down and push like on a motorbike!
Under 18s
- Must be signed in by an adult (18+) and have them on the site/tour at all times.
- 5 or more under 16s must be supervised by a responsible adult (18+) on tour with them.
- 10 or more under 16s require 2 adults (18+) on tour with them.
About the Scooters
The Electric Scooters are a combination between a quad bike and motorcycle.
- They are twist and go controls – twist right to go and left to brake
- Balanced and safe sit on scooters
- Suitable for all experience levels
- Groups drive at the speed everyone is comfortable with
- Super quiet electric power with surprising speed
- Guides always on hand to assist – and share epic tales!
Baboon Adventures Pricing
It costs £43pp for a driver and £17pp for a passenger.
This includes:
- a picture and video package
- access to the Estate
- guide and electric scooter
- helmet
Clothing
- Bring warm outdoor weather clothes – including warm gloves! Closed shoes, sunglasses!
- If bringing a bag make it a small backpack.
- No long jackets
- If muddy weather waterproofs are advised!
- There is a space to get changed afterwards.
- You CANNOT bring your own helmet.
Other Information
- Tours are around 90 minutes long – which includes 20 minutes for the brief and test drive.
- There are daily departures.
- Operates in all weathers.
- Arrive 5 minutes before your time.
- You can bring a camera/take your phone around – but make sure it’s secure.
- No you cannot explore the Estate on your own.
- No dogs.
- You stop for a break – take a drink, maybe a warm one if doing the twilight adventure!
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