Monkey Business at Go Ape!

The night before we were due to go to Go Ape our house was a wash of excitement, you’d be hard pushed however to see just who was more excited - the two, usually responsible ‘thirty something’s’ or the nine year old of the family! Go Ape Tree Top Junior Adventure, set amidst the stunning backdrop of Sherwood Pines forestry commission in Nottinghamshire, is specially designed for the little monkeys but if you are expecting a tame version of the adult course then think again! We arrived bright and early and were harnessed up ahead of a climb up the wooden staircase to the first platform 30 ft up, amongst the magnificent pine trees. We were then quite literally set loose tackling the obstacles, daring wobbly rope bridges and zip wires that lay before us. The only real difference between the junior and senior courses is that all who give this a go are permanently ‘clipped on’ for the entirety of the course. The challenges, height of the platforms and often difficulty of the stations however are the same. I must admit to losing my nerve a few times especially when expected to throw myself off a platform to zip wire to the end of the course. I did ask one of the Go Ape team if there was any other way down (much to their amusement) but when I realised that I had about 5 bemused kids queuing behind me, indignant to the hold up and just longing to throw themselves off - so I had to go for it! The scream that followed rippled through the trees but the feeling of pride and elation at completing this challenging course was like no other. I did retire at this point, my challenge over and my nerves shot to pieces. My advice... always know your limit and go out whilst at the top (literally!) I watched on as the kids on the course tackled everything thrown at them. Working out how to best approach each section, swinging between the trees, displaying no fear and loving every minute! Even the big kids, including my husband, were running around the course like children, proving that it might be named ‘junior’ tree top adventure but it is a course that will bring out the fun, reckless and impulsive side to all who dare to give it a go! So, what was our verdict on our adventure in the forest? Absolutely amazing! After a brilliant morning, quite literally swinging from the trees, the Scott family whole heartedly would recommend Go Ape to everyone and will be back for a bit more monkeying around! To find our how to book your visit to Go Ape in Sherwood Forest, please visit the website.