High ropes course
Reach new nights at Calvert Lakes
High ropes at Calvert Lakes
Here at Calvert Lakes, we have a fantastic high ropes course just behind our accessible activity centre. Guests usually enjoy our high ropes activity as part of a rock and rope session.
This activity offers an outdoor aerial challenge for ambulant guests that builds confidence and helps with balance and coordination. The course includes small platforms interspersed throughout the trees connected with bridges, tightropes, skateboard elements, cable traverses and various hanging elements. At its lowest point, the course is less than 1 metre off the ground, ranging to almost 9 metres at the highest point.
Obstacles include:
🪖 Tug of war skateboard challenge
🪖 Grapevine bridge
🪖 Wood plank bridges
🪖 Cable bridges
🪖 Stirrup crossing
🪖 Obstacle bridges
🪖 Wobbly plank bridge
Participants need a good level of mobility to complete the high ropes challenge course, and we have two different routes depending on confidence and ability. The lower course is closer to the ground and ideal for wobbly walkers and those worried about heights. We start groups on the lower course, and they can progress to the higher course if they want to which has progressively more challenging elements.
To take part in the high ropes activity, a full board harness and helmet must be worn. The harness has a Koala trolley attachment which clips onto an overhead cable. As participants navigate round the course, the trolley stays on the overhead safety cable to ensure they are always securely attached.
At any point during the activity, guests can sit down into their harness and zip through obstacles instead of walking across them, supported by the trolley attached to the overhead steel cable.
We love talking groups on the high ropes course and it’s an activity that people visibly gain confidence doing. Even the most nervous participants can experience the elation of completing the challenge, safe in the knowledge that they are supported and supervised.
High ropes are great for:
Building confidence and self-esteem
Our high ropes course
Below is a sneak peak of our high ropes course, demonstrated by the local company who custom built it for us.
Adaptive high ropes equipment
Our high ropes course is ideally suited to ambulant participants, with different courses available for varying levels of confidence and mobility.
Different harnesses to suit body types
Choice of challenge levels
Ability to go at own pace and route
Option to zip instead of walk
The activities were well planned, and both staff and children felt safe and well supported throughout. The instructors showed excellent knowledge of each activity and were able to explain clearly what would happen, including all safety procedures.
They used humour and encouragement to help children feel confident and excited about taking part, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere.
Anonymous
High ropes FAQ
Who can enjoy high ropes?
Our high ropes course is suited to ambulant participants only. Guests must be able to walk to traverse the various moving elements.
High ropes is enjoyed as part of a rock and rope session which will look different depending on the needs of a group. Groups with wheelchair users may prefer to try our wheelchair challenge course or abseiling instead of high ropes.
This activity can be enjoyed all year round by participants four years and upwards.
Where does high ropes take place?
Our high ropes course is right here on site! Just behind the bushcraft shelter, accessed via an upwards sloping path, high ropes is nestled in the trees of Dodd Wood.
How long is a high ropes session?
The high ropes challenge is usually a half day activity session and may take anywhere from an hour to two hours in total.
Is high ropes safe?
Yes – very safe. We use a Koala trolley which is attached by lanyard to the harness of the participant using a pin lock. It is fiddle-proof and hands-free and fully supportive. Should a participant fall or prefer to zip across trickier sections, the Koala harness is safely attached to the Niko rail system and supports the weight of a participant.
Our instructors support this activity and are on hand to help, support and encourage participants as needed. They can also detach anyone at any point who would prefer not to continue.
Funding for adventure breaks
We’re committed to making our activity breaks accessible to as many people as possible, which is why limited funding is available to help reduce the cost. Because our funding is often restricted, we prioritise those who’d most benefit from financial assistance. While we cannot guarantee support for every enquiry, we encourage anyone facing financial barriers to get in touch. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you explore the options available.
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