Offers of High Ropes Devon

We all know the benefits of a walk in the woods: it helps us relax, unwind and feel a connection with nature. But what about a walk in the trees? A high ropes course is an elevated obstacle course at the height of the tree tops, which is equally good for your mental health - whilst putting your body to the test too. In Devon, one of the best regions in the country when it comes to outdoor activities, you’ll find a range of high ropes experiences to take your mind off your routine, and get your heart pumping with excitement.

Connected at all times to a safety line, you can really go for it on a high ropes course: climbing, swinging and jumping from one platform to the next. And with a huge variety of challenges on offer in Devon, it doesn’t matter if you’re in Exeter or Plymouth, Dartmoor or Exmoor, you’re sure to find the perfect aerial adventure for you, at a price that you can’t refuse.

Where are the best high ropes courses in Devon?

• Bideford: the sandy North coast of Devon from Woolacombe Bay to Westward Ho! (the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name) is a tourist paradise. But if relaxing on the beach is getting a bit boring for you, there are aerial adventures waiting for you not far inland. Obstacles include: jumps, swings, climbs and trapezes as you navigate the course. With options for all ages, this is a great place for a family break.

• South Molton: on the edge of Exmoor, this small village boasts a state of the art open-air elevated obstacle course. With 24 challenges to clear at a dizzying 10 metres above the ground this high ropes course demands all your physical and mental strength. But don’t worry, qualified instructors are on hand to guide you through at every step of the way.

• Exeter: when it comes to treetop trails, the name Go Ape has become well known across the country. The most southerly course in the country leads you through the canopy of Haldon Forest with views to Dartmoor beyond. Twilight sessions are now available, starting at sunset and completing the course at dusk with the help of neon lights and coloured spotlights.

• Dawlish: as if climbing up into the trees and completing daring challenges wasn’t enough, in Dawlish part of the course takes you over open water! That’s right, you’ll face bridges, tightropes and swings whilst trying not to look down - we just hope that there are no hungry crocodiles below!

• Newton Abbot: the River Dart Country Park boasts acres of beautiful deciduous forest. What better way to explore them than on a trail from treetop to treetop? The trail is made up of over 20 obstacles, each one requiring your focus, balance and agility to get you across.

• Tavistock: there’s fun for all the family here, with a special high ropes course for young children. But that doesn’t mean it’s too easy for teenagers and adults because there’s a separate ropes course for those in search of a challenge. You’ll need a head for heights as you’ll be suspended at 16m above the forest floor when you face the walkways, the wires and a range of other imaginative challenges.

• Okehampton: on the Northern edge of Dartmoor, Okehampton has been the starting point for many outdoor adventures. Most of them go South onto the moors, but this one goes up into the treetops in the nearby woodland. The obstacles here are designed to be overcome together, so they are perfect for team building activities.

Requirements to do this activity

All ages are catered for by the impressive range of high ropes courses in Devon, but minimum ages vary from course to course, in relation to the size and difficulty of the obstacles. The most child-friendly option is in Tavistock, where children as young as 4 years old can take to the treetops on a purpose built trail, as long as they are over 1 metre tall and go accompanied by an adult. To tackle the full size course here you must be 12 years old and measure over 150cm. In Bideford, South Molton and Exeter, 5 year olds who are over 1 metre tall can have a go on the courses. Dawlish, Newton Abbot and Okehampton, on the other hand, have courses that are suitable for everyone over the age of 8.

To complete an elevated obstacle course, you are defying gravity with the help of a harness and safety lines. As the strength of gravity depends on your weight, some high ropes courses in Devon have an upper weight limit. This varies from 18 - 21 stone (115 - 135 kg). In addition, an upper height limit of 2 metres is also in place on some courses.

How long does an experience last?

All of these activities begin with a short safety briefing before you ascend to the obstacles. After that, a typical high ropes course takes around 1 hour to complete. This is perfect to get the thrill of traversing the Devon landscape at altitude, and during this time you’ll be able to complete a variety of different elevated activities. 45 minute routes are also an option for younger children, or anyone with vertigo!

For those who are more in touch with their inner monkey, we recommend that you go for a 2 or 3 hour high ropes experience to fully satisfy your appetite for heights. You might think that once you’re up in the treetops you’ll never want to come down, but remember - in the canopy there aren’t any places to sit down, buy refreshments or use the bathroom! Do what you need to do at ground level before starting the high ropes courses in Devon.

What do you need to bring the day of the zipline circuit?

Poise, agility and a daring spirit will be your best tools if you’re going to excel on the high ropes in Devon. We’re sure that you already have these qualities, so to make sure that you get the most out of your experience we just need to tell you about the more practical things that you need. Good shoes, with a flexible sole and closed toes (no sandals!) are essential for this activity. The clothes you need will depend on the time of year and the weather, but bear in mind that you’re going to be outside for the duration. If it’s hot, put on your hat and sunscreen; if it might rain, you’ll need something waterproof; if it’s cold, we recommend layers that you can take off as the exertion warms you up. It’s common sense!

Other than that, you’ll be given all the safety equipment necessary to get started when you arrive at the course. This includes the harness and safety line, and a helmet if necessary.

We don’t think we’ve missed anything, but we’re here to help if you still have any doubts about this activity, and we’re here to make it happen whenever you’re ready.