Blogger: Stephanie Lynch
Recently during our visit to Scotland, we decided to go on a different type of an adventure…. more of a tree top adventure!! We came across Go Ape, located in Glentress Forest, Peebles which is about an hour and a quarter outside of Edinburgh. We headed off from Edinburgh towards Glentress Forest. The drive itself was just breathtaking and well worth it. The views all around, amongst the newly born lambs and fresh spring daffodils was just perfect. The perfect Sunday drive.
We arrived at Go Ape in Peebles and we were greeted by our instructor which took us through all the safety equipment and rules. We were harnessed up and off we went on our first tree top course. The instructor stayed with us to insure we were comfortable and when we began to get confident with the whole experience, we were allowed to move along at our own pace. What we loved about it was the fact that we could be on our own, laughing and joking. We continued trying the different courses confidently with the knowledge we were given. We knew the instructor was only a little bit away if we needed anything. The instructor would check in on us every now and again to make sure we were all ok. Lots of instructors were spaced out between the courses also so they were never too far away if needed. I couldn’t believe how comfortable I became with the harness and everything, you became so used to the technique and you could move at your own pace which I loved.
The treetop adventure is situated on the hillside of the beautiful Glentress Forest. The tree top adventure is built within the trees and definitely makes good use of the valley, especially the final zip wire over the reservoirs in the valley…. the best part of the experience. The course is set of 5 levels, the first level being the beginner level and as you move up the levels, it starts to get slightly harder and higher. Rope bridges, tarzan swings, tricky crossings… all set high above the forest floor.
Each course was adventurous and pushed you a little. Everybody is different so different areas of the course will be more challenging then others. For me, it was the tarzan swing. Plucking up the course to jump off towards the ropes. That was my biggest challenge of the day but you know what, I did it and I am so proud of myself for it.
All the levels and courses lead up to the big finale…the final zip wire!! I found the zip wire extremely enjoyable. At the start you scream for a few seconds and then you realise that this is amazing and you begin to take in the views and the surroundings. It’s not long until you realise that this is an unbelievable experience and to stop screaming and just enjoy it.
We took a few video clips on our phones while at Go Ape and edited them all together for you to see. Have a look at the video here.
We enjoyed strolling through Peebles town(2.5 miles away) after our adventure with great little shops, restaurants etc. (QT TIP: Bring a change of clothes with you for after the adventure. We landed on our bums a few times after the zipwire!!)
If you dont have a car, dont worry as there is a bus that runs out to the forest from Edinburgh. The course is approx 500m up the gentle hill following the forest road from the bus stop. The 62 and 62a buses from Edinburgh to Galashiels both stop right outside the Glentress entrance. Ask for “Glentress” rather than “Peebles” – The driver is more likely to drop you outside the site, rather than in Peebles. The stop is not in Peebles itself but 3 miles east of Peebles.
Take a leap of faith off a tree top and go for it….
For more information check out their website here.
