Big Tree Goes Ape!

For some strange reason, it's not often that we get across to the Trossachs in our campervan, but we changed all that over the past couple of days. It can get pretty busy around there in the high summer or at Bank Holidays, mainly because of its proximity to Glasgow and the central belt.... but hey, it is a very very beautiful part of Scotland!

We decided to pop over there when it wouldn't be so busy, and as far as our kids were concerned, the main reason for going was to pay a visit to 'Go Ape', one of the fantastic tree-top adventure parks which are opening up all over the UK. Our kids are both over 10 years old now (the minimum age is 10, and also kids must be over 1.4m tall).

There are currently 3 in Scotland at Crathes Castle near Aberdeen, Beecraigs near Edinburgh, and of course Aberfoyle in the Trossachs. We'd spoken to Tom the centre manager beforehand and booked ourselves in for a 3.00pm session. It's very hard to describe exactly what it's like in words, but imagine: a fun and involving safety briefing; kitted out with harnesses and pulleys; a 420m zip-wire to get to the main area; then spending 3 hours swinging through the trees on high wires, tricky walkways, bridges, more zip wires, wooden slatted tunnels, tarzan swings and puzzling ladders... finishing off with another 420m+ zip wire to finish. See how many obstacles you can do 'no-handed'... see how many you therefore fall off! All very very very good fun!!!

We'd definitely recommend the Trossachs to anyone on a Big Tree

Campervan adventure, and we did come away with a few gem spots to camp wild in this lovely part of Scotland.

We'd very very definitely recommend the GoApe experience to anyone, especially if you're up for a laugh, fancy a bit of real excitement, and want to get the adrenalin pumping!