G is for Go Ape!
Ghost Tour - Gig - Gin tasting - Glamping - Go karting - Golf
Our alphabet dating so far has seen us enjoy afternoon tea and beer festivals and daytrips around the local area playing tourist in our own country. For G we thought it was time to live life adventurously and Go Ape!
Go Ape is a treetop adventure company with bases up and down the UK. There are 2 locations in Scotland - our nearest one being at Crathes castle. We last vsited this Aberdeenshire landmark just a few days after our wedding and I was more than happy to return! Situated near Banchory, the Go Ape tribe have made good use of the woodland in the castle grounds.
After being fitted into our harnesses we were given a quick run down of how to work the clips and taught the number one rule - always stay attached! Each of us got to practice using them before starting the course but our guide made the mistake of using me as an example! Flashbacks of tough mudder's King of the Swingers obstacle suddenly filled me with fear and it took what felt like an embarrassingly long time too coax me onto the sample zip wire. It was like a foot off the ground! I developed a little tactic of sitting into my harness rather than jumping off the platform which saw me round the rest of the course.
The course is divided into 5 sections, each with it's own challenges. From tarzan swings, to stepping stones and skateboard zip lines. We were left to our own devices to enjoy the experience at our own pace. Theres always a crew member on hand should you get into any difficulties and each harness has a litte whistle to blow incase you need to grab their attention. All the staff were super nice which helped me feel more relaxed along the course!
My arms eventually stopped shaking after the initial shock of the height wore off and my confidence grew, along with my adrenaline levels! Gordon on the other hand, as a scaffolder with rope access tickets, sailed through the course like it was all in a days work. He took all the difficult routes while I chickened out and took the easy option at every chance.
I loved Go Ape and I'd definitely go back to tackle the parts I missed but I have to admit I was glad when it ended - purely for the fact I was back on solid ground and could breathe again! You can go back to your favourite parts and have another go if you like but once was enough for me. Plus our bellies had started to rumble after two hours of monkeying around.
The portion sizes were more than generous, with salad and tortilla chips on the side. So much so that I took half of mine home for later! Maybe they could just do a little teacup of soup to go with sandwiches for greedy b*tches like me in future. The cakes looked an absolute treat - there were gluten free and even vegan options - but we just didn't have room!
All fueled up we then headed off to nearby Scolty Hill for a short but steep walk to the top. The views up here were amazing with it being such a sunny day. We climbed the steps of the tower and spotted the various iconic hills of the area including Clachnaben, Mount Keen and Lochnagar to the west!
Go Ape at Crathes castle was one of my favourite alphabet dates so far! If you fancy giving it a go you can find your nearest one here. Have a look at my video below to see what you're in for, and make sure you get out and explore the area while you're at it. Crathes castle is a brilliant location as you're not only surrounded by breathtaking Scottish countryside, but you can spend some time in the castle, its gardens and even the tearooms as well!
Ghost Tour - Gig - Gin tasting - Glamping - Go karting - Golf
Our alphabet dating so far has seen us enjoy afternoon tea and beer festivals and daytrips around the local area playing tourist in our own country. For G we thought it was time to live life adventurously and Go Ape!
Go Ape is a treetop adventure company with bases up and down the UK. There are 2 locations in Scotland - our nearest one being at Crathes castle. We last vsited this Aberdeenshire landmark just a few days after our wedding and I was more than happy to return! Situated near Banchory, the Go Ape tribe have made good use of the woodland in the castle grounds.
After being fitted into our harnesses we were given a quick run down of how to work the clips and taught the number one rule - always stay attached! Each of us got to practice using them before starting the course but our guide made the mistake of using me as an example! Flashbacks of tough mudder's King of the Swingers obstacle suddenly filled me with fear and it took what felt like an embarrassingly long time too coax me onto the sample zip wire. It was like a foot off the ground! I developed a little tactic of sitting into my harness rather than jumping off the platform which saw me round the rest of the course.
The course is divided into 5 sections, each with it's own challenges. From tarzan swings, to stepping stones and skateboard zip lines. We were left to our own devices to enjoy the experience at our own pace. Theres always a crew member on hand should you get into any difficulties and each harness has a litte whistle to blow incase you need to grab their attention. All the staff were super nice which helped me feel more relaxed along the course!
My arms eventually stopped shaking after the initial shock of the height wore off and my confidence grew, along with my adrenaline levels! Gordon on the other hand, as a scaffolder with rope access tickets, sailed through the course like it was all in a days work. He took all the difficult routes while I chickened out and took the easy option at every chance.
I loved Go Ape and I'd definitely go back to tackle the parts I missed but I have to admit I was glad when it ended - purely for the fact I was back on solid ground and could breathe again! You can go back to your favourite parts and have another go if you like but once was enough for me. Plus our bellies had started to rumble after two hours of monkeying around.
We headed into Banchory afterwards for a bite to eat at the beautiful Birdhouse cafe. A cosy eatery with a gorgeous hanging centerpiece. Our eyes were bigger than our bellies and we over ordered with Meme's mango chicken open sandwich for me, "pleased to meat you" for him and a huge bowl of warming broccoli, cauliflower and cheese soup each.
The portion sizes were more than generous, with salad and tortilla chips on the side. So much so that I took half of mine home for later! Maybe they could just do a little teacup of soup to go with sandwiches for greedy b*tches like me in future. The cakes looked an absolute treat - there were gluten free and even vegan options - but we just didn't have room!
All fueled up we then headed off to nearby Scolty Hill for a short but steep walk to the top. The views up here were amazing with it being such a sunny day. We climbed the steps of the tower and spotted the various iconic hills of the area including Clachnaben, Mount Keen and Lochnagar to the west!
Go Ape at Crathes castle was one of my favourite alphabet dates so far! If you fancy giving it a go you can find your nearest one here. Have a look at my video below to see what you're in for, and make sure you get out and explore the area while you're at it. Crathes castle is a brilliant location as you're not only surrounded by breathtaking Scottish countryside, but you can spend some time in the castle, its gardens and even the tearooms as well!
Huge thanks to Big Partnership and the Go Ape tribe for inviting us along to Crathes!
*Our treetop adventure was complimentary in exchange for review. As always all views are my own and 100% genuine.
Awww perfect date! Birdhouse cafe was definitely a top choice for a delicious lunch. Did you have a good look at the 'flowery' art piece there? Much love, Iga www.igaberry.com
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