We've built this section to help quickly answer some common queries. If you have any additional questions or cannot find the answers to your questions please email us. 

1. What is Go Ape?

   It's not in the dictionary, but if it was, Go Ape would be described as a ‘high-wire forest adventure'.

   That means we build giant obstacle courses up in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire, and top it all off with the country's best zip lines (including the longest at 426 metres - check out our Aberfoyle course).

   We then kit people out with harnesses, pulleys and Karabiners and let them loose into the forest canopy.

2. Where are you located?

   There are now 22 Go Ape courses up and down the country. This year we have opened five new courses including our first one in Wales and another at the world famous Woburn Safari Park. To find your nearest course, check out or Course Finder.

3. Which course is the best?

   Each course provides a unique experience depending on the forest it's located in, topography and the surroundings. Have a look at the course videos on the website to get a feel of what you can expect from each Aping adventure.

4. How much does it cost?

   Our prices are:

   Gorillas (18 years plus): £30

   Baboons (10-17 years): £20

5. Do I need to book in advance?

   We recommend that you book in advance as our courses tend to get booked up especially during weekends and school holidays. You can book online or by phone on 0845 643 9215.

   Our booking line is open seven days a week 08.00 to 21.00 Monday to Friday; 08.00 to 19.00 Saturdays & Bank Holidays; 09.00 to 19.00 Sundays. A £1.50 booking charge will be added to a telephone booking.

   You will need to pay the full amount at the time of booking.

    

6. What should I wear?

   We suggest that you wear something you don't mind getting grubby or even slightly damaged. Dress for the weather so bring along a mac if it's raining! Please wear appropriate footwear with soles with good grips. No sandals or slip-off shoes. Ankle supporting boots are best. Some people recommend fingerless gloves. Long hair must be tied back. Body piercings should be removed or taped over and midriffs should not be bare as harnesses may chafe. You may want to bring a change of clothing for the journey home.

7. What time do I need to arrive?

   Please arrive at the Go Ape cabin at your booked time and ready to start. Late arrivals who miss their session will be charged at full price. It may take some considerable time to drive into the forest, park and make your way to the Go Ape cabin, particularly on busy days when traffic queuing is more likely.

8. Are there any restrictions?

   Yes to ensure people's safety on the course we have the following restrictions:

   The minimum age is 10 years

   The minimum height is 1.4m / 4 feet 7 inches

   The maximum weight  is 130kg / 20.5 stone

   At Go Ape we operate with Petzl pandion harnesses as we believe they best suit our needs and health and safety requirements. The size of this harness dictates the size of customer that we can safely allow to participate on a Go Ape course. The maximum waist measurement of the harness is 110cm (43 inches) and the leg loops (which go around the top of your thighs) measure 70 cm (27 inches). If your statistics are close to or exceed these figures there is a possibility you may not fit in a harness and therefore will not be able to participate on the Go Ape course. (Waist measurements should be taken above the belly button; males weighing 18+ stone (115 kilos,) and females size 18+ are likely to be in this category). If you have any concerns we advise that you visit a site at a time prior to your booking and speak to a member of the Go Ape staff.

9. Can I bring my camera/camcorder?

   Yes you can! Getting a camera into the trees is straightforward. Talk to the guys in the Go Ape cabin before you start and they'll kit you out with a lanyard so you and your camera are always attached - safer for everyone. From there you can film whatever you like for as long as you like! You could even enter it into our Golden Gorilla Awards!

10. Are there storage or changing facilities?

    We don't provide anywhere to store your belongings. There are toilets on site where you can change before and/or after your Go Ape experience.

11. How high is the course?

    All the courses vary in height slightly.  The highest Go ape course sits over 365m above sea level and that's Buxton. Grizedale Forest has the highest platform from the ground at 21m above the forest floor.

12. Is there an instructor with you on the course?

    You will receive a 30 minute safety briefing and training from an instructor before you start the course. After that you're on your own, free to swing through the trees. Of course, instructors are always on hand, regularly patrolling the forests (not in monkey suits unfortunately!)

13. How long does the course take?

    Go Ape courses take approximately 2-3 hours to complete and that includes your safety briefing.

14. Is there a time limit to complete the course?

    Nope, you can go at your own pace and let people ‘overtake' if you fancy taking a little more time over an obstacle or section. If you want to reduce the chance of being held up by people in front of you, we recommend that you book an early morning slot, as there will be fewer people ahead of you.

15. What are the opening times?

    Go Ape courses are open from 27th March to 31st October inclusive, plus weekends in November with sessions running every 30 minutes at most courses. All courses are closed on Tuesdays during term time and throughout January 2010. Opening times vary depending on daylight hours - some even open at 8am in the summer for those really keen Gorillas! Please check availability on our website for opening times for the course you would like to visit.

16. I'm afraid of heights!

    If you're worried about your knees knocking and your arms trembling - never fear; Go Ape is here and we are proud to have helped lots of people to conquer their fear of heights. Why not give it a try - you might surprise yourself!

17. What if I can't finish the whole course?

    The course is split into sections. At the end of each section you can take a breather or walk back to the start if you decide to call it a day.

18. Is it safe?

    Go Ape courses are substantial and physically testing aerial obstacle courses. There is inevitably a risk of injury when undertaking such activities. Participants will be responsible for attaching themselves to the safety system. If you do not attach yourself to the safety system you risk falling, which could result in a serious or fatal injury. However, the courses and operating procedures are inspected annually by Jacobs (specialist engineering inspectors) and Harraway Tree Services. All participants receive a safety briefing from a trained instructor at the start and have to wear a safety harness at all times.

19. Do I need to be fit or strong?

    Doing Go Ape does require a degree of physical fitness but if you can climb up a rope ladder you should be fine. You can always catch your breath between obstacles.

20. Can we watch our friends and family Go Ape from the forest floor?

    Yes, spectators are more than welcome to watch friends and family trek, swing, crawl and zip from tree to tree. There is no charge for this.

21. What happens if I get stuck?

    Instructors will come to your rescue! They have specialist equipment to lower you safely back to the ground.

22. What if I fall?

    Your safety harness will catch you. Then you can regain your footing and continue the aping fun!

23. What else is there to do nearby?

    Typically, nearby activities include cycle hire, walks, trails, picnic areas, toilets, restaurant and there is often a shop.

24. What happens in bad weather?

    Go Ape is an excellent wet weather activity but is even better when dry! The course remains open in all weathers, except when it is icy, stormy or during lightning. Rain makes the course muddier than usual - which all adds to the fun for many people! Dress for the weather. You may want to bring a change of clothing for the journey home.

25. What is your cancellation policy?

    You can cancel your booking but should do this at least 48 hours before the booked start time by calling the booking line on  0845 643 9215.  You will be fully refunded.

    Go Ape might need to cancel your booking. If this happens, we'll refund you in full.

    Sometimes, unfortunately, we might need to close the course for reasons beyond our control. If you have already started the course you will not be entitled to any refund (in part or in whole). We will do our best to offer alternative dates or times at reduced rates.

26. Can my under 18 yr old son/daughter go round the course alone?

    No, an adult (over 18 years) must accompany them and accept responsibility for ensuring that any minors in his or her care complete the course in accordance with the specific safety rules and advice given by Go Ape instructors. Adults will need to sign a disclaimer accepting personal responsibility for supervising their own safety and the safety of any under 18 year olds in their care. One participating adult can supervise EITHER two under 18 year olds (where one or both children are 10-15 years old) OR up to five 16-17 year olds.

27. What are the restrictions for supervising children?

    Under 18's must be supervised by a participating adult. An adult can supervise EITHER two children (where one or both of them us under 16 years old) OR up to five 16-17 year olds. Supervising adults must sign a disclaimer acknowledging responsibility for the safety supervision of their group.

    Children cannot go tandem with their parents.

28. Can I do the course if I'm pregnant?

    The Go Ape policy is that we recommend that pregnant women do not take part on the course (as it is a robust aerial assault course and there are therefore associated risks). However, we do not want to be discriminatory and ultimately the choice is yours. We are not medical experts and therefore suggest that you seek advice from your doctor on the matter.

    We do not operate with full body harnesses, but have a sit harnesses (petzl pandion) with a separate chest harness (petzl voltige) for those who require it. Unfortunately we cannot allow customers to wear their own harness due to our own insurance position.

    If you decide to proceed, you will need to declare that you are pregnant and then sign a disclaimer stating that: "I have made Go Ape! aware that I am pregnant and as a result Go Ape! has recommended that I do not take part on the course. However I have decided to take part on the course in the full knowledge that this may incur risks to my unborn child".

    We are sorry if this is disappointing but hope you understand our position. We would be very happy for you to follow your group on foot from below.

29. Are there any special offers?

    We run several offers and promotions throughout the year at all of our 22 courses.

    Keep an eye on our website to stay up to date with offers and check the course pages for specific course promotions.  You can also sign up to our email newsletter - Gorilla Beat - to receive exclusive news and offers.

    You can also check out local and national press as we run offers in papers from time to time.

    We also run a number of discounts for charities, students, youth groups and schools. You can find out more on our website.

30. Can I wear fancy dress?

    Yes we love people wearing fancy dress. There are a few rules though. Nothing should be dangling from the costume that might get caught on parts of the course. You need to make sure that your outfit does not obstruct your sight and that your midriff is covered so that the harness does not chafe on your skin. Please wear sensible shoes such as trainers or walking boots. If our course instructors feel that you are wearing something which could be dangerous or cause an accident to you or others they will ask you to change before starting the course.

31. What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

    The staff at Go Ape are not medically qualified and so are not in a position to assess the capacity of participants to undertake a course. It remains your responsibility to undertake such an assessment prior to use of the course. We advise you to visit the course prior to booking to undertake your own risk assessment. You may also wish to contact your doctor for further advice.

32. Can I bring my dog?

    Dogs are very welcome but must be supervised at all times so someone will have to remain on the ground with them. However, we are unable to have dogs at our Leeds Castle and Woburn courses.

33. Is Go Ape insured?

    Yes.  Go Ape holds £10m of public liability Insurance covering all of its courses.  You can find more details, including a copy of our current insurance certificate, here.