Treetop sport

At first we thought that accrobranche was probably not for everyone but our research has made us think again. What’s more it combines sport with leisure and a beautiful forest setting …

It came as something of a surprise to find out that the list of activities goes beyond one long line along which you fling yourself down a slope over treetops. Depending on the venue or park, it can incorporate many different courses including walkways, scramble nets, suspended bridges, Tarzan-style rope swings (we bet everyone does the “ah ah aahhhhh ah ah” thing), toboggans and other fun adventures designed to give you a whole new outlook on life, from the treetops. Tree climbing is definitely a physical activity and, as such, presents an ideal opportunity to join family and friends on different courses designed for all ages and fitness levels. Sports and climbing enthusiasts can also work out on adrenaline or high-activity courses where they can push their limits and improve fitness. Where children are concerned, it can also help them to develop their agility and, at the same time, overcome any fear of heights in a safe, controlled manner.

The first step is to be fitted with your independent protection equipment (IPE) such as the harness, pulley and hook. Gloves are highly recommended and you may choose to wear a helmet too. Then it’s off to the test circuit. Together with an instructor, this is where you receive tips on techniques and find out how to use your kit, as well as establish which of the courses are most suited to your abilities. They will also check that long hair is tied back, that you are wearing close-toed shoes and that your clothing is appropriate and unlikely to be caught in trees or lines, or risk strangulation! Yes, you need to be in good physical and mental shape and, in addition to height restrictions on some of the circuits, each course has a different level of difficulty. However, you are actively encouraged to only attempt those that you feel comfortable with; this is meant to be fun after all! A final test course allows you to demonstrate that you can put what you have learnt into practice before you set off on your adventure.

Whilst there will be trained safety personnel throughout the accrobranche park, let’s not forget that this is an autonomous activity and, for obvious reasons, the safety rules must be strictly observed. In terms of safety, authorised, registered venues will follow the safety and quality adventure charter which ensures an annual inspection by independent inspectors, that the trees are in good condition, that the equipment carries the relevant CE standards. They will probably, and should, fit and check the equipment every day themselves. The instructors will have done everything possible to make sure that your equipment is fitted correctly and that you have met the requirements of the test circuit. There should be clear instructions at the start of every course and you should have the added protection of a continuous lifeline which will never let you go.

For young children, there are the Parcours Bout’Choux where they might travel through a tunnel, ride a mini zip-wire, play in a treehouse, or ride a bike one metre above the ground! For the older ones amongst us, we might try our hand at scrambling, military-style, over a net high in the trees, stepping (and swaying) along individual bridge sections, a spot of tight-rope walking, or crossing a barrel bridge. Then there are rope ladders, rope climbs, Malaysian stairs, or riding a bike across a lolloping bridge that seems to have a life of its own. The jewel in the crown has to be the exhilarating Parcours Tyrolienne, the zip-wire course which lets you swoop like a bird over canyons, rivers and from tree to tree. There are a wealth of parks in our region and each one is individual, and each individual can select their own thrills but one thing is for sure, it’s great fun! Our website business directory lists some of the parks in our region under sport and recreation.