Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

8
CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CLIMB THE
HUGE MAINMAST ON BRUNEL’S SS
GREAT BRITAIN
If you’re feeling brave this year, why not step into the
shoes of a Victorian sailor and climb the huge mainmast
of Brunel’s SS Great Britain! Secure yourself in the harness
provided before heading up the rigging to a viewing platform,
26 metres from ground level. Challenge yourself even further by
stepping out onto the main yard, 9 metres across from the ship
below. Once you’re up there, be sure to take in the incredible views
of Bristol’s harbour.
IMAGE © GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
9
TAKE PART IN THE KENNET & AVON
CANAL RACE
Run the Great West Way in this non-stop 145 mile race
takes you from London into the heart of Bristol. The
race route follows easy to navigate canal, river and
railway paths. Competitors receive comprehensive maps of the
entire route which passes through some of the best of English
countryside. On the way runners descend the magnificent Caen
Hill flight of 29 locks, a drop of 237 feet in 2 miles, one of the
Seven Wonders of the Waterways and well worth seeing.
10
SWING
THROUGH THE TREES AT
SWINLEY FOREST
Make like a monkey at Go Ape where the Tree Top
Adventure high ropes course runs for 704 metres
(770yds) through the tall trees of Swinley Forest,
reaching stomach-churning heights of up to 13 metres (42ft)
above the forest floor. Strap on a harness (you can’t fall off) and
test that head for heights as you cross gaps several metres wide on
challenging crossings made up of swinging logs and rope bridges
– you’ll even get to fly like Tarzan on a rope swing. Each stage
ends with a zip wire – the longest is 160 metres (175yds) – and
a massive smile. See if you can make it all the way to black, the
most challenging stage of the course.
54 GreatWestWay.co.uk