High Ropes Courses
Go Ape High Ropes Course, www.goape.co.uk
A high ropes course is an obstacle course suspended above the ground, most commonly amongst tree tops with tall pine trees providing the anchor points for most of the obstacles.
Ladders, nets, tight ropes, bridges, monkey swings and walkways are combined high in the air to create the ultimate thrilling adventure. This is not one for anyone who is scared of heights.
What a High Ropes Course Involves
You will need to attend a high ropes activity centre to complete this activity, and booking in advance is usually essential. A typical session will start with a safety briefing and equipment fitting before you are led up to the start of the course. From there you will need to navigate through a series of challenges, all of which are suspended above the ground. For example, you may need to cross a narrow bridge that requires you to balance, climb a net wall, or take a leap of faith from one platform to the next.
What to Wear and Bring
Go Ape High Ropes Course, www.goape.co.uk
Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather and that you don’t mind getting dirty or even ripped. Layers are a good idea in colder weather so that you can add or takeaway as required. Good footwear is essential and open-toed footwear is not appropriate. Walking boots or a good solid pair of trainers with ankle support are ideal. You may also want gloves in colder weather, but bear in mind that you will have to grip onto ropes, etc.
Most sites usually have somewhere where you can grab a snack and a drink, but it’s best to check in advance.
Where to Do a High Ropes Course in the Lake District
There are four sites in the Lake District where you can test your courage on a high ropes course.
Go Ape Whinlatter
Go Ape is a national company with locations across the UK. At Whinlatter, England's only mountain forest, Go Ape operates its highest course. Additional facilities operated by other organisations at Whinlatter Forest include a café, mountain bike hire, walking and biking trails, and a children's adventure play trail..
- Address: Whinlatter Forest, Keswick, CA12 5TW
- Tel: 03333314996
- Website: www.goape.co.uk/days-out/whinlatter
- Cost: From £33
Go Ape Grizedale
At Grizedale Forest, not only does Go Ape offer its traditional high ropes courses and Segway Tours, but it also has a thrilling Zip Trekking Adventure consisting of seven zip lines across the forest canopy. Within the forest you will also find a public art trail, an adventure play area, a cafe, and lots of walking and cycling trails.
- Address: Grizedale Forest, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ
- Tel: 03333314996
- Website: www.goape.co.uk/days-out/grizedale
- Cost: From £33
Tree Top Trek
Tree Top Trek have an exciting array of low and high ropes challenges that are suitable for those aged five and up. In addition, they also have a Tree Top Nets course that is suitable for those aged 3 and up. The courses are located at Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre, where you will also find a whole host of other activities available..
- Address: Brockhole, Lake District Visitor Centre, Windermere, LA23 1LJ
- Tel: 01539447186
- Website: www.treetoptrek.co.uk
- Cost: From £18
Keswick Climbing Wall
With three sections of course overlooked by Blencathra, the high ropes course at the Keswick Climbing Wall includes a thrilling zip line ride. Furthermore, if you are up for the challenge, you could combine your session with one at the huge indoor climbing wall at the site.
- Address: Goosewell Farm, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RN
- Tel: 01768772000
- Website: www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk
- Cost: From £25
Full Circle Experiences: The Happy Ape
Please note that this company does not offer a high ropes course, but rather a "well-being adventure" to connect with the wild, including experiences using trees, rocks, water and wood. The day is led by a local guide who will show and your group all the hidden gems in the area and how to make the most of your adventure safely. Be sure to get in touch with Full Circle Experiences for further details.
- Address: Rydal Hall, Ambleside, LA22 9LX
- Tel: 07557768047
- Website: fullcircleexperiences.uk/The_Happy_Ape.html
- Cost: Prices vary by group size