Review: Tree Top Adventure At Go Ape

Now some of you that know me will think I have finally cracked … yes I am petrified of heights but yet when asked if we would like to review Go Ape at Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire I couldn’t help but try and make out I was brave … However I have been making myself feel sick with nerves since I signed up and dragged Ollie (hubby) along for the ride!

We turned up on Sunday 24th November to finally face my fears …. It was too late to run the staff knew we were there!

OK so the lovely Sam got Ollie and I into a harness and we were off to training wires at the beginning to learn the most important rules, while on the ground first off to make sure we get it before taking to the tree tops!

Its very strange .. having to put all your trust in a harness and clips …

The first station the staff stayed with us and again went through the safety aspects again and again! I was guinea pig and I went across first .. followed by Ollie

 Then it was off on our own to visit the 6 stations. I wont lie .. I have never ever been so scared in all my life, I was shaking and freaking out but I knew if it got too bad the fantastic staff were only a shout away! I do have to say they all knew I was so freaked out that they were super patient and supportive and it really did make me feel so much calmer .. although I am not sure how calm a petrified person of heights can be up a giant tree!

Once Ollie and I were off round the course we were coping .. by that I mean not loosing limbs, falling off or even outwardly crying, although I fear the same cant be said for internally!

There was one particular station that I really couldn’t do and I even freaked out so much so I had to climb back down but after after finding my inner fool mojo I was back at another station and climbing to join the birds.

Ollie did an amazing job, other than telling me he hated me through gritted teeth he was super quick at crossing and took to it like a duck to water!

I personally found it slightly intimidating when people who were super quick were backing up behind me, although we let them move ahead which did help elevate any pressure I felt under.

So with rope swings, slippery logs, and barrels to cross followed by some amazing zip slides (to which every one I went down I laughed hysterically when hitting the mud at the bottom) I had the most AMAZING time .. I am not sure If I would of ever got round to going had it not been for this review, however I am shocked to be saying this but … I so wish I had been sooner .. although I am still terrified of heights this activity really did push my boundaries and I loved it. I really want to make sure my daughter (who loves heights) gets to go as she will LOVE it! I even think we might do it with her! … and I didn’t think I would be saying that before Sunday!

My top tips for this activity would be .. take gloves (not too thick) you need to open and close clips and if they are too thick you cant do it easily.

Last but by no means least … take spare clothes, being rubbish at zip wires means this happens! .. although thankfully we did take spare clothes!

We really did enjoy this activity and loved the fact it wasn’t too crowded (off peak) and that we got to spend some time together doing something testing ourselves.

Disclaimer: We were admitted free of charge for the purposes of reviewing, although all opinions were independently formed by members of The Oliver’s Madhouse.