It has been a couple of years since we went to Go Ape for Callan’s 13th Birthday and since then they have launched Go Ape Junior at Moors Valley and Thetford Forset which is a fun filled experience of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles for all to enjoy. You’ll negotiate crossings and finish on a high (literally) with one awesome zip wire. Tree Top Junior is a great experience for explorers from 6 years (over 1m) to 106 years!
Kian was too small for the adult Go Ape when Callan had his birthday and has been itching to try his hand at releasing his inner Tarzan ever since.
On Saturday, Isaac decided that he wanted to do the Gruffalo Trail (again), at Moors Valley. Knowing Kian wouldn’t be keen, I decided to book him a treat and do the Junior Go Ape experience, before we let him loose on the adult version.
Apart from having to almost drag him there as I wanted to keep it a surprise, it was a fabulous day. I would advise arriving slightly early, as you have to read a safety briefing and fill in a form before being fitted with safety equipment and embarking on a training session.
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| Itching to get going! |
Don’t be fooled by thinking it is low to the ground as it is for kids – it isn’t as high as the adult version, but it is a good 15ft above the ground.
Kian, my confident tween was off and zoomed round the first part of the course with ease!
It was then that he hit his first problem. Being the middle of August, Go Ape was at its busiest and Kian got caught up in traffic. The children enjoying the experience in front of him were an awful lot younger and slower and had adults (quite rightly) accompanying them, which took even more time.
What I did get to witness though were the amazing staff. A couple of younger children were obviously tired and a little scared by some of the more complicated obstacles, and no amount of cajoling from mum or dad would persuade them to move!! In swung (quite literally) an instructor who encouraged, guided and reassured them that they could in fact do it. It was really uplifting watching the smile on their face when they realised that they had overcome their fear and completed the obstacle.
Whilst waiting for the groups in front to complete there bit of the course, Kian stood enjoying the views and was pulling faces to entertain his brother and sister who were with me below!
And then, right at the end came the best bit…………………………………the zip wire!!!
Go Ape Junior cost £15, although you do have to factor in parking which can be pricey at Moors Valley but worth it for the amount of activities they provide!
If I am honest, it took Kian an hour but he would have sailed round in far less had their not been traffic in front of him and I admit it was probably a little to easy for him too. What it has done is proved that he is more than ready for the adult course.
Think I am going to have to dig out my Timberlands and practise my zip wire landings!!
(oh, and we did do the Gruffalo trail again)
I think this is an amazing experience, from which kids can learn a lot.
that looks like sooo much fun!