GoApe at Crathes Castle

I had an action packed day today. I kindly got invited to try out the GoApe! Treetop Adventure course today. It costs £30 for over 18 year olds (Gorillas) and £20 for 10-18 year olds (Baboons) and the course takes 2-3 hours to complete, so I thought it was great value, but it might get expensive for a family day out, they could do with a few family promotions I think. 

Did me heart stop a couple times.. yup. Did I scream at some parts... yup. Would I do it again... Definitely!!! 

The course set at Crathes Castle (which near Banchory, 15ish miles west from Aberdeen) is split into 5 sections; The first being a tiny warm up area which has a tiny zip line and a couple crossings. The second part has a huge ladder which you climb into the tree canopy, one part is called the Tarzan Jump where you jump from the platform into a net a couple meters away and for just starting taking that step off is terrifying, all of the sections finish in a zip wire (make sure you land facing forward or you will get a trouser full of bark!!) As you move onto the next sections they get harder and higher up (although the course is suitable for 10year olds). Some of the sections in the course have an easy or hard option incase you aren't feeling so brave. There is 28 different crossings with the longest Zip Wire being 125meters and its highest point 8.6 meters.

Hurrah!! I managed to finish!

I can't say anything bad about the staff. They were all lovely, so encouraging and very knowledgable. Once they show you a couple of safety things at the office and at the first section you are in charge of your own safety. They float around between everyone on the ground making sure you are safe and you are even given a whistle incase you get stuck. Our group was only 7 people which was a lovely size and you didn't feel like you were waiting ages for the next part.

I love that there is something so much fun so close to Aberdeen, it was lovely to get a ride in the car (if you don't have a car the 201 bus from Aberdeen Bus Station drops off at the estate entrance) and enjoy the grounds of the Castle. We didn't have time to head into the castle and gardens but friends of ours did and had a super time. They even has a cafe, gift shop, plant shop and dress-up costumes, and today they had a wood turning demonstration which was awesome. Plenty parking is available and is £2 for pay and display but this is free if you are a NTS member (which is only £20 for a year if you are under 25yrs). I can't wait to head back when the weather is a bit nicer and have a picnic and explore the grounds a bit more.

Photo: from NTS

Hope your weekend was full of fun!! Xx