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Go Ape Grizedale

5.0(1)

Go Ape Grizedale is a major Lake District forest-adventure hub near Hawkshead, with Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure Plus and Go Ape's only 3km Zip Trekking Adventure.

Go Ape's only Zip Trekking Adventure: a 3km tandem zip-line course
Treetop Challenge: age 10+, minimum height 1.4m and around 2-3 hours
Treetop Adventure Plus: age 6+, minimum height 1.2m
Zip Trekking reaches a peak height around 36.5m with a longest zip around 500m
Café Ambio, toilets, picnic areas and limited free lockers close to the cabin
Paid Forestry England parking at the main and Kennels car parks
Walking, cycling and outdoor sculpture make Grizedale a full-day destination
Dogs are welcome on leads around the site but cannot join the course
Accessible toilet
Accessible parking
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About Go Ape Grizedale

Go Ape Grizedale sits in Grizedale Forest, close to Hawkshead in the southern Lake District. It is one of Go Ape's most substantial Cumbrian locations, combining family high ropes with a tougher Treetop Challenge and its unique 3km Zip Trekking Adventure. Treetop Adventure Plus is the family-focused option. It is currently advertised from £25.95, for ages six and over, with a minimum height of 1.2m and a maximum weight of 130kg. The course uses a continuous-belay system, reaches platforms up to around 11.5m and has a longest zip of approximately 120m. Go Ape recommends it particularly for children aged around six to ten or participants building confidence before moving on to a more demanding course. Treetop Challenge is a significant step up and is currently advertised from £36.95. The minimum age is ten, minimum height 1.4m and maximum weight 130kg.

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Expect around two to three hours on a self-belay course, with platforms reaching approximately 26.5m and a longest zip of around 225m. Children aged 10 to 15 must be supervised under Go Ape's published ratios, and the supervising adult has to participate on this activity. Zip Trekking Adventure is the standout Grizedale experience and is currently unique to this Go Ape location. It uses a 3km network of tandem zip lines through the forest rather than a traditional sequence of rope crossings. The experience is advertised from £57.95 for ages 13 and over, with a minimum height of 1.4m, minimum weight of 45kg and maximum weight of 124kg. Allow roughly two to three hours. Go Ape lists a peak height of around 36.5m and a longest individual zip of approximately 500m. The experience begins with a short minivan journey higher into the fells and requires a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy footwear. Booking ahead is strongly recommended. Go Ape asks visitors to arrive around 20 minutes before their booked start time and to check the exact age, height, weight and supervision requirements before paying. Wear closed, sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and tie back long hair. Grizedale remains an outdoor forest activity and courses generally operate in wet weather, although unsafe conditions can cause changes or closure. The Go Ape cabin is at Grizedale Forest near Hawkshead, postcode LA22 0QJ. The approach roads are narrow and journeys can take longer than expected, particularly at busy times. Go Ape specifically advises against relying on the Windermere ferry for the outbound journey because queues can create substantial delays. Forestry England operates pay-on-exit ANPR parking. At our September 2026 check, the main and Kennels car parks were free for stays under 20 minutes, £2.90 for the first hour, then £0.70 per additional 15 minutes, capped at £14 for the day. Charges also apply to Blue Badge holders. Grizedale is not served directly by public transport, so visitors arriving by bus or train need to plan the final part of the journey carefully. Café Ambio, toilets, baby-changing facilities, accessible toilets, picnic areas, the forest shop and visitor facilities are close to the Go Ape cabin. Small lockers are available at the cabin free of charge but numbers are limited. Forestry England provides accessible parking bays and all-terrain mobility scooter hire, while Go Ape recommends contacting its team in advance about access to a specific adventure. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on site on leads but cannot join the course, and some areas such as the café or play areas may restrict dogs. Grizedale also has walking and cycling trails, outdoor sculpture, a visitor centre and other forest attractions, so it works well as a full-day destination for mixed groups where not everyone wants to take part in Go Ape. Prices and activity availability can change. The prices and practical information above were checked on 17 September 2026; always confirm the live session, participant requirements and final price before booking.

The Cumbria Guru verdict

Our local note

One of the Lake District's strongest choices for a serious forest adventure. Families can start with Adventure Plus, while Treetop Challenge and the unique 3km Zip Trekking course provide a much bigger thrill. Book ahead and allow extra journey time for Grizedale's narrow approach roads.

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5.0From 1 published visitor review.
Real visitor experiences

Visitor reviews

Charlie· Jan 2025

I visited Go Ape recently, and it was such an unforgettable experience! The treetop courses are incredible, offering breathtaking views of the Lake District while testing your balance and courage. The zip lines were my favorite part – soaring through the forest was such a thrill! The staff were super friendly and made sure everyone felt safe and confident before starting. Perfect for families, friends, or even solo adventurers. I’d highly recommend booking in advance, especially during weekends, as it gets busy. Can't wait to go back again!

CG

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Last updated 17 September 2026.