An Active Day Out in Devon
“Always make sure you are clipped on”
I would say this was very wise advice, being 14 metres up in the canopy of trees at Haldon Forset near Exeter is not for the faint-hearted. Although I’d describe myself as pretty adventurous and up for a challenge, there is a certain element of self preservation that makes it pretty unnatural to step off a little platform onto a wobbly ladder.
Fun at Go Ape at Haldon Hill
Go Ape is a series of bridges, rope swings and zip wires high up in the pine trees of Haldon Forest.
The adventure starts off with (not surprisingly) signing a disclaimer. Then the first half an hour is the very important instruction on how to manage the slightly bewildering array of carabiner clips and zip wire attachments on your harness that you practice with at ground level.
At this point there is still time to change your mind – but don’t, it’s great fun and you’ll love it.
Harnesses and Clips
Once on the course you are on your own in your group. The lower age limit on the high ropes is 10 years and children need supervising at a ratio of 1 to 2.
At all times you have two clips, one on a wire around the tree when you are not on an obstacle.
Once you are up in the canopy you can take your time and enjoy the views.
We didn’t feel at all rushed so even if you felt a bit unsure you could take your time.
Look straight ahead was the advice, not down!
Extreme or Difficult?
In a couple of places you can choose between two routes, one more extreme than the other.
By this stage we all had total faith in our equipment so went for the harder option. You’ll see on the video the girls became quite confident!
Zip Wire Fun
The course is in five sections and you head back to the ground each time on a zip wire – we loved the zip wires.
The longest was 230 metres – and yes I ended up with “wood chip pants” – that’s code for a less than perfect landing.
Watch Our Video
Tree Top Junior
Does it all sound a bit too much for you ? Fear not! There is a now a Junior Course. You or younger children can enjoy this lower and less technical course if you are over 6 years old (and over 1 metre tall). Under 6’s need an adult with them on the course. There’s no clipping and un-clipping required so it’s much easier to manage.
There are also push bikes to hire with miles of marked and graded routes and a segway course. For the less able there is a mobility tamper to hire.
Summary – Great fun and Exhilarating
It took nearly 3 hours from the start time booked to completing the course, so although it’s not the cheapest thing to do it’s good value for the time it takes.
We really enjoyed the challenge and by the end were all ready for a drink and a well earned snack from the cafe at Haldon Hill.
So go – if you’ve not been before give it a go. If you have been to this site or any other what did you think of it?
TOP TIPS
Getting there – follow the signs for Haldon Forest Park off the A38 – there are no actual Go Ape signs until you reach the main Haldon Forest car park.
Car park: charges are up to 2 hours £5, 2-4 hours £6.50, All Day £9. You can buy a ticket from the Rangers Office if you have no change.
Use the facilities: the Go Ape site is set away from the main car park, cafe and toilets – make sure you use them first! More details on the facilities on the Forestry Commission website here
For more information about Go Ape and the different locations take a look here.
DISCLAIMER: Flip flops or Wellies was gifted a group ticket for the Go Ape High Ropes for the purpose of this review. All photos, video and opinions are my own honest view.
More Active Days Out Ideas
Here are a few links to other fun activities we have done that you may like to read about.
Mountain Biking and Paddle Boarding on Exmoor
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Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
I hope you enjoy reading and taking inspiration from this website. 
This looks like great fun, Clare! Devon is certainly a great place to do fun activities and living in the West Country means you have access to so many different options. There’s always lots of fun, outdoor things to be doing – whether that’s at Go Ape like you’ve done or a nice, long walk on Dartmoor. I don’t think I’ll ever get bored!
This looks like awesome fun! Great for all ages now there’s a junior course. I have tried this sort of high ropes adventure before and it was quite hard work, I’ll need to check out Go Ape and see how I do!
I love ropes courses!!! Looks like fantastic fun. I can’t wait until my little one is tall enough for one. #kcacols
Sam did the junior course and i was very jealous not to be able to join him. This looks even more fun!
This looks like so much fun. Even us moms would love to do this! After reading through these posts, it seems as thought all of the great places to go and see are across the pond! I’d go ape over this one too!
This looks great fun, I’d love to do this! Some of those zip wires look really long in the video. What an amazing experience! Thanks for linking up with #kcacols – come back again next time!
Love this. Go Ape is amazing and your pictures are fabulous! #KCACOLS
Thank you , it really was good fun.
While this looks amazing, I’ve never been one to venture into this sort of adventure! I’d much prefer a book on solid ground! #kcacols
I love this sort of thing, although I must admit my age is starting to catch up with my sense of adventure.
Oh wow! Would love to go hear. My eldest would absolutely love it there! Her kind of place. #KCACOLS
This looks both fun and terrifying to me! I know at least a couple of places near us where there are Go Ape’s, and I hope that we’ll have the courage to give it a go sometime… 🙂 #KCACOLS