If you’re looking for a Go Ape Grizedale review, you’d better read on.
When our Australian family came to visit us in the Lake District last month we wanted to show them more than just lakes and mountains. We wanted to find an experience they simply couldn’t do at home.
Flying through Grizedale Forest at up to 45mph turned out to be exactly that.
We were invited to experience the Go Ape Zip Trekking Adventure as gifted guests and took my Australian cousin and her husband along with us for the morning. It ended up being one of those days we’ll all still be talking about years from now.
What is included in the Go Ape Grizedale Zip Trekking experience?
Unlike a traditional high ropes course, this experience is all about the zip wires.
After being driven up into the forest and fells by minibus, you make your way back down through a series of zip wires stretching across valleys and woodland, with spectacular views across Grizedale Forest along the way.
Some riders can reach speeds of up to 45mph, although apparently some of the instructors have managed even faster. There are around ten zip wires in total, with the longest stretching for around 500 metres, so you can really get some pace up here.
Do you dare to take up the challenge?
Arriving and checking in
We booked the 10am slot on a Friday morning, in term time, and couldn’t have timed it better.
There were only four of us on our session, which meant we had plenty of time to enjoy each stage of the experience and even repeat a couple of our favourite runs later on.
Check-in was simple and relaxed.
The team helped us get harnessed up before talking us through all the safety procedures and equipment. Everything was explained clearly and carefully, which meant any nerves quickly disappeared.
Then came one of the unexpected highlights of the day: the minibus ride up into the forest.
As the track climbed higher into the fells and the trees closed in around us, it slowly dawned on us that we would soon be making our way back down from the top.
The instructors made the experience
The team at Grizedale deserve a special mention because they genuinely made the day for us.
They were friendly, reassuring, funny and incredibly knowledgeable from start to finish.
They struck that perfect balance between making sure everyone felt safe while also keeping the atmosphere fun and relaxed.
Nothing ever felt rushed and I loved the little challenges they set for us throughout the morning. They taught us how to use our arms to stop ourselves spinning and shared tips for picking up more speed.
By the end it felt less like being guided around an activity and more like spending the morning with a group of people who genuinely wanted everyone to have a brilliant time.
Is Go Ape Grizedale scary?
Honestly, yes and no.
The first platform definitely feels intimidating.
You can just about make out the landing platform in the distance and then comes the moment where you have to trust the equipment, step off and go.
That first leap of faith is the hardest part but within seconds, the nerves disappear and the views take over.
The first zip wire flies over a valley of trees and opens up incredible views across the forest below. I expected to spend the entire time screaming but instead I was too busy staring at the scenery. Mouth open in shock but no noise I suppose. Gobsmacked.
It was one of those rare moments where your brain almost forgets to be scared because it’s too busy taking everything in.
Clipping yourself on is all part of the adventure
One of the things we loved most was that you clip yourself onto each zip wire.
The instructors are there checking everything is done correctly and making sure you’re safe at every stage, but being involved in the process yourself somehow makes the experience feel even more exhilarating.
After a practice run and a few checks from the team, we were ready to go.
More than just zip wires
As the morning went on, the instructors introduced little challenges and games along the way.
They taught us how to use our arms to stop ourselves spinning and shared tips for picking up more speed.
There were races and plenty of laughter as we moved from platform to platform.
Grizedale Forest is part of the experience
The zip wires may be the main event but Grizedale itself is a huge part of what makes the experience so special.
Between each section you walk through woodland paths, over streams and through some of the most beautiful parts of the forest.
Seeing Grizedale from above gives you a completely different perspective on one of our favourite parts of the Lake District.
How long does Go Ape Grizedale take?
Our experience lasted around two to three hours in total.
That included the safety briefing, harness fitting, transport up into the forest and the full zip wire experience.
Because our group was small and there was no pressure to rush, we even had time to repeat a couple of our favourite zip wires before heading back down.
Can you film while you’re up there?
Yes.
I wore a Go Ape lanyard around my neck which allowed me to safely secure my phone and capture parts of the experience from the platforms and while flying through the trees. You can buy a Grizedale one or bring your own.
All I would say is make sure you don’t film every part, it was good to disconnect from my phone and look out. There’s not many times in your life you’ll do something like this – so enjoy the moment.
The perfect finish to the morning
The final zip wire carries you out of the trees and back towards the open fields and base camp below.
After spending the morning hidden away in the forest, it feels like emerging back into the world again.
By that point we were completely exhilarated, slightly windswept and grinning from ear to ear.
Afterwards we celebrated with coffee from the café, collected our certificates and naturally I couldn’t leave without buying one of the Go Ape gorillas from the shop.
The perfect ending to a brilliant morning.
Our Go Ape Grizedale review: final thoughts
Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Whether you’re visiting the Lake District with friends, family or older children, this is one of the most memorable activities we’ve done in years.
It combines adventure, incredible scenery and genuinely brilliant people into one unforgettable experience.
And if you’re staying with us at The Pheasant Lodge, even better.
Our guests receive an exclusive 15% discount on the Go Ape experience, so simply ask when you book and we’ll send over all the details.
Would you take the leap?
We certainly would again. Don’t forget to check out our instagram page for full videos so you can see the experience yourself.
Hannah – Host at the Pheasant Lodge x