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We visited Go Ape at High Lodge, near Brandon and Thetford, to try its sundown adventure plus course under cover of darkness




Sometimes in my job, I sign up for things which seem like a good idea at the time, but the reality is entirely different.

This was my feeling as I walked across the forest clearing at High Lodge, Santon Downham, near Brandon and Thetford, for my first Go Ape Sundown Adventure.

I’ve tackled various Go Ape high ropes and segway adventures since its opening at Thetford Forest back in 2002, most recently visiting with my daughter at the start of the year.

The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
Camille Berriman and Emma Harpley take on Go Apel's sundown adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
Camille Berriman and Emma Harpley take on Go Apel's sundown adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman

But this felt entirely different.

Although I knew what I was signing up for, I had a sense of trepidation as I surveyed the course under cover of darkness.

My schoolfriend Emma and I were soon kitted up with harnesses and I borrowed a pouch for my smartphone (these are available to buy at the kiosk, along with gloves).

The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman

Next, we joined the rest of our group for the safety briefing before learning the ropes on a short (and low) training circuit.

Then it was time to get started on the sundown treetop adventure, with its progressively difficult, challenging, free-swinging crossings and zips – and twinkly lights shining in the darkness.

Emma and I climbed, tackled treetop platforms and swung our way between the illuminated trees.

With the forest in darkness and mist gathering close to the ground, we had no sense of how high up we were, what was beneath us or around us. It made for an entirely different experience to that of completing Go Ape during the day.

The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman

The forest was buzzing with the excited chatter of participants of all ages (the youngest in our group was nine, while there were several ‘middle aged’ climbers like myself) and there was a genuine sense of being in it together, with plenty of banter between different groups.

Gradually our confidence grew, until I was excitedly describing the man ahead of me as ‘practically a ninja’ due to his dexterity on the rope bridge.

In fact, he inspired me to tackle the same bridge with such aplomb that the slippery wood (due to rain throughout the day) soon wobbled me off and I plunged through an opening, being saved by my harness.

The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman

It felt like one of those ‘I’m a journalist, get me out of here’ moments.

I’d like to say the only bruises were to my ego, but my shins now boast some pretty impressive colours. It was definitely worth it though, because at the end of that wobbly bridge was the first exhilarating zip wire.

Stepping off the platform and putting your trust in your harness is an experience like no other.

Emma enjoys Go Ape. Picture: Camille Berriman
Emma enjoys Go Ape. Picture: Camille Berriman

“Wooooohooooooo,” I bellowed as I flew through the forest before landing bum first in a pile of soggy wood chippings.

But that wasn’t the end of the experience, as Emma and I were also signed up for the sundown treetop adventure plus course.

This is an extension to the treetop adventure course with an additional, even higher and trickier loop. Meanwhile, it is lit ‘more subtly’ (i.e. it is rather dark) to give thrill-seekers a greater sense of adventuring into the night.

We encountered a few short delays on the plus course, but they only served to build the sense of camaraderie with those around us.

The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman

With the loops and challenges being higher and more complicated, it was even more thrilling – with the bonus of an even higher and longer zip wire at the end.

I have always enjoyed Go Ape experiences, but I think Saturday’s Sundown Adventure is my favourite yet.

When we finished we chatted to the instructors at the kiosk as we handed back our harnesses. They told us the sundown adventures are running on selected nights until November 10, so if you fancy giving it a try you’ll need to be quick.

The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman
The High Lodge Go Ape Sundown Adventure. Picture: Camille Berriman

As for me, I’m keeping my fingers crossed they put on a few extra evenings over Christmas, as the forest lighting does lend itself to the festive season. Plus, it would be a great way to work off a few mince pies!

• Treetop adventure plus prices start at £28 while the treetop adventure course is from £23. Treetop adventure plus participants must be at least six years old and 1.2m tall, while treetop adventure participants must be at least 1m tall.