DECLAN Dwyer, 14, shows his wild side on a day out at Go Ape in Dalby Forest.

DALBY Forest is famous for its spectacular scenery, woodland walks and challenging mountain bike tracks, but the Go Ape experience offers visitors the chance to see the forest off the beaten track in a great adrenaline-rush adventure.

The ultimate forest experience for all the family aged 10 and above offers both an 888-metre tree-top adventure with zip wires reaching heights of 250 metres and down-to-earth electric Segway adventure to discover the woodland at ground level.

When we set off for Dalby we had a mixture of feelings – excitement as well as being slightly anxious at the thought of taking part in a different set of activities that are not usually part of an average family day out.

When we got to Dalby we were given a map at the entrance which gave us clear directions to the parking facilities which were located next to the visitor centre and right next to Go Ape.

Both car parks were accessible and extremely close to where you need to be, making the journey stress-free with no chance of missing your time slot.

When we got there we were greeted warmly by the instructors who looked after us during our visit and we were put into small groups before heading off on our first activity – the Segway.

My initial thoughts were that the vehicle would be difficult to master with its high-tech weight distribution speed controls. But after the great step-by-step guide from the expert staff, I was raring to go.

Once on the Segway, we had a few goes around the training circuit to get used to the motion before we ventured out in to the beautiful scenery, passing close-by wildlife and the wide range of birds living in Dalby.

The Segway adventure is about an hour, but it is amazing how far you travel, and I loved the fact that none of the journey felt repetitive as the terrain was constantly changing.

I found the experience really unique but you have to try them for yourself to understand how good they are to ride. By the end of your journey the skill of riding them becomes second nature. As we got towards the end I was hooked and wanted to relive the adventure.

Our next stop was the tree-top adventure. The instructors were on hand to go through the rules and how to use the equipment. They made the talk as interactive and hands-on as possible but we were left reassured and confident about our safety as you are responsible for your own harness while out on the course. This was great for me as it gives you the independence to roam around the course with your family, but knowing the instructors are looking up from down below if you get stuck on any of the obstacles. The course, which takes about three hours, has so much to offer from wobbly bridges to zip wires that release your wild side and have spectacular views. There is also a smaller junior rope course for those not so brave.

The Go Ape experience is a great adrenaline rush and a thrilling treat for all to enjoy. Don’t just sit around. Let your wild side out and Go Ape.

Fact file

GETTING THERE
By car: Dalby Forest GoApe is situated just outside Pickering. It can be reached from either the A169 Pickering to Whitby road (turning right at the Fox and Rabbit pub YO18 7NQ) or the A170 via Thornton-le-Dale (turning left at the Buck Inn after lights). Follow the brown tourist signs for Dalby. Parking charges apply at Dalby. By train: The nearest station to Dalby is Malton. By bus: Moorsbus operate several buses around the area. The Coastliner bus also stops in Thornton-le-Dale.

OPENING TIMES
Go Ape is open February to November. Times vary according to daylight hours.

PRICES
Tree top adventure – £30 for 18+, £24 for 10-17 years. Segway – £30 (over 10 years only). Height and weight restrictions apply to both activities. For full details, see www.goape.co.uk