Grizedale Forest
Sculptures hidden through the trees turn a forest walk into a treasure hunt, with trails from buggy-flat to proper leg-stretch and Go Ape overhead. Between Windermere and Coniston, and quieter than both.
Go Ape Grizedale
Hawkshead & Grizedale, Cumbria
Grizedale's Go Ape sits by the forest visitor centre and covers a wider age range than most. Six-year-olds can do Treetop Adventure Plus, the mid-level course; the classic Treetop Challenge starts at 10; and the Zip Trekking Adventure for 13 and up is eight long tandem zip lines, three kilometres in all, across the valley.
It is a big spend, from £25.95 a head for the youngest course and a lot more for the zip trek, so make it the centrepiece of a forest day. The sculpture trails, cafe, play area and toilets are a short walk from the Go Ape cabin, and there are free lockers for bags.
What it costs: Treetop Adventure Plus from £25.95 (6+), Treetop Challenge from £36.95 (10+), Zip Trekking Adventure from £57.95 (13+). Forest car parks are pay on exit.
Know before you go
- The roads into Grizedale are narrow and slow, especially in summer, so allow more time than the map suggests.
- Park at the main visitor centre car park or the Kennels car park; both are pay on exit with number plate recognition, and Go Ape is signposted from both.
Worth knowing: Treetop Adventure Plus from 6, Treetop Challenge from 10, Zip Trekking from 13.
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