Swinging around the treetops, zip wiring and belly laughing, was the perfect way to spend a Tuesday afternoon in Leeds.Â
My step dad, step brother and I had been invited to review Go Ape at Temple Newsam, the first high ropes experience in West Yorkshire.
I had wanted to try Go Ape for a while as I love being outdoors and better still this one is based in estate grounds with a 500-year-old country mansion, beautiful woodlands and, a Georgian Walled Garden just next to the course.Â
There are three challenges to suit different ages and abilities. As a group of three adults we opened for the treetop challenge.Â
Our Go Ape experience!
As we drove into the Temple Newsam estate, just a few miles from Leeds City Centre, you are immediately immersed into lush greenland and long paths which lead us to Go Ape (which is tucked away near the walled Garden).
We had booked to go on one of the hottest days of the year so the trees acted as a perfect shade for the scorching sun. There is free parking too right next to the experience.Â
First, we checked in at the Go Ape log cabin, before our induction.Â
Once signed in, we were given our harnesses and clips and instructed on how to use them.Â
I thought it sounded complicated as I am not the most practical person, but once we were ready there is a test run so you get used to attaching your clips and using the zip lines on your own.Â
Treetop Challenge CourseÂ
There are three challenges to choose from – Treetop Adventure (for all ages), Treetop Adventure + (over 1.2m tall and for adult beginners) and then the Treetop Challenge Course (over 1.4m tall).Â
We went for the latter as we were three adults who were all up for a challenge in the treetops.Â
With 15-metre-high platforms, you’ll need to engage both your mind and body as you scale the tree to tree crossings that make up this high ropes course. The 11-metre Plummet is not for the fainthearted, but it is the quickest way back down to earth! If we said some thrill seekers use this as a bungee warm up, we think you’ll get the picture!
16+ regular price: £33
Under 15 regular price: £28
My brother is Autistic and sometimes struggles with new experiences and new people. But the course felt fairly tranquil and the instructions were clear and simple.Â
Before we knew it my brother Oscar was off climbing and zip wiring on his own as my step dad and I scaled a parallel course.Â
It’s been a while since I have squealed and belly laughed so much. It was high enough (up to 15m) and long enough (the longest zip is 60m) to get our adrenaline going and some of the crossings were challenging such as the hoops which you use as foot holes.Â
It was lovely to be under the treetops and distracted from the outside world so we could truly relax and enjoy the experience.Â
To finish off we went on the Tarzan swing. This is where you jump off a station and go zip lining into a rope net. After the second time of swinging towards the net you have to climb up it and on to the platform.Â
We all felt nerves as we first stepped off the platform and were catapulted towards the net. But it was so much fun! And you really did feel like Tarzan.Â
The experience lasts around 2-3 hours and we had completed all of the courses that were open within this time. We felt like we had had a real workout as well as some quality time together.Â
We will definitely be returning for another escape away and I will be bringing my kids for the Treetop Adventure.Â
To book and for further information, go to: https://goape.co.uk/locations/temple-newsam/tree-top-challengeÂ
WIN A TICKET FOR FOUR PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE GO APE TEMPLE NEWSAMÂ
Whether it’s team building, a group of friends or a family group, Go Ape is the perfect place to swing around the trees, get active and escape the busyness of everyday life.Â
To win a pass for four just enter via Rafflecopter or like our facebook page: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ccd41f1f16/?
Giveaway closes at midnight (GMT) on 11th August.
DISCLAIMER: We received tickets free of charge for the purpose of this review. All views are our own.Â
