N16Life_SUMMER2017

REVIEW
It’s great fun trying
to stay still as you
navigate swings,
ladders and a highaltitude
zip wire
Walking
above the trees
Go Ape, well-known around the country for its
adventure courses, has opened its second branch
in North London in Alexandra Palace
Being out in the open air is
a therapeutic, soothing
experience. It makes you
happier and feel more at
ease with yourself. This is
especially true of children,
who will delight at the
experience of Go Ape – an unrivalled
opportunity to spent time in a forest and
find their inner Tarzan.
But walking above the trees? Don’t
worry, they tie you in a secure harness
so that even if you trip, you won’t fall. I
went with a friend who was nervous about
her safety and badgered the Go Ape
team with just about every silly question
she could think of. They were calm and
reassuring as they told her there was
nothing to be afraid of.
The worst-case scenario was falling off
the swings and staying suspended in midair
– which would amuse the children and
parents around us, but nothing more.
But I have to say that those innocentlooking
swings were a lot higher up than
they appeared from the ground. It was
such a thrill to look down below – you
really feel the adrenaline pumping. But
the harnesses do their job and reassure
you as move along the course.
It’s great fun trying to stay still as you
navigate swings, ladders and a highaltitude
zip wire. The experience takes
about one hour in all, depending how fast
you go.
It was a rainy day when we went, which
we thought would be unsuitable for this
kind of activity – but this was not the
case. In fact, the mud made it all the more
fun: rain is perfectly fine, but thundery
conditions are not suitable for Go Ape.
Both my friend – who has a fear of
heights – and I were able to navigate the
challenging Tree Top Junior without
getting stuck in mid-air. It was such a
delight to complete an outdoor activity
like this.
Go Ape Alexandra Palace is a healthy
family day out combining adrenaline,
open air and physical activity. We’ll be
back with our nephews and nieces before
you know it.
Go Ape’s prices start from £18.
Visit goape.co.uk
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