Branching out on the Chase

As a young whipper snapper I can still remember the thrill of negotiating my way to the top of the tree, proudly surveying all I could see.

Occasionally these forays into the treetops would result in a quick lesson in gravity, but one you soon forgot.

Sadly the vast majority of us are forced to grow up, climb down from the trees and get on with life.

Now a new tourist attraction in Staffordshire offers all boys and tomboy girls the chance to relive their pre-adolescent adventures. The new Go Ape course at Cannock Chase was officially launched this week and I was one of the lucky few who got to try it out first.

To begin with there is the compulsory health and safety talk and explanation of what not to do. You are led through the process of how to keep safe while attempting that big jump by a team of very skilled and experienced staff. Next you step into your harness before you are off to the first section of the five-part course.

Climbing the rope ladder to the first platform was an awkward task but once up the adventure really began.

As a regular walker on Cannock Chase I know the area well, but standing 20ft or more in the air gives a whole new view to the beauty spot.

With a little help I clipped, one at a time, my harness carabineers which kept me from plummeting to the ground, onto the tree and moved around to face my first obstacle, a simple rope bridge.

From the ground you would be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss was about, but when you are about to take that first step you can feel your heart start to pound.

This is exactly what the organisers of the Go Ape want. With 17 centres around the country the aim is to encourage more and more people to get outside and be active.

After negotiating my first few obstacles I came to the part I had been waiting for – the zip line.

This is the first on the course and is the shortest of the three, although staring down the wire for 250 metres I can vouch for the fact you fear every one.

Taking the plunge was actually relatively easy and pretty soon gravity, my old friend, took over, whipping me down the line in seconds.

It was a wonderful feeling to be flying through the trees of Cannock Chase and the sights were not lost on any of us.

James Godfrey, the Go Ape manager, said: "It's going to be great for the area and the feedback we have had so far has been very positive.

"This Go Ape course offers everyone the chance to be a bit more adventurous with their lives and it really is a great way to experience the forest." The little boy in me certainly won't disagree with him, while my adult side is still picking pieces of bark out of my extremities.

* The Go Ape course is based at Birches Valley and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To experience the Go Ape visitors must be 10-years-old or over and stand at a minimum of 1.4 metres tall.

The course opens to the public today. It is closed on Mondays. To book log on to www.goape.co.uk or call 0845 643 2034.

By Shaun Lintern.