Thrill rating 5/10
Danger rating 4/10
Fitness rating 5/10
In a nutshell ...
What's so special about climbing a tree? Everyone's done it, right? Well, now that age-old childhood thrill has been transformed into one of the fastest growing adventure sports in the UK. We're talking ropes, harnesses and tree climbs of up to 20 metres! Getting off the ground is the most challenging part; from there it's all about using the strength in your legs (much stronger than your arms) to drive yourself up to the top branches.
There's an eco-friendly message here, too: Paul McCathie, ex-tree cutter and founder of Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures, was fed up with "doing unethical things to trees" and sought a career change. "I want to encourage people to fall in love with them again." Tree-hugging has never been so popular.
What's the buzz?
This is a brilliant "back to nature" adventure. In a world long before hyper-cool indoor climbing walls, tree-climbing was the original test of strength, stamina and agility. The buzz is cerebral, too: you have to "empathise" with the tree and judge the best branches to balance your weight against on your route to the top. Rather less cerebrally, once up high you can dangle upside down 8 metres above the ground (Tarzan noises optional).
Thrill a minute?
After the initial training, climbing to the top of a tree (looking like a monkey or a baboon, depending on your speed and grace) and then abseiling down may be enough excitement. But for more of an adrenaline rush, have a go at branch walking. Or if you want to take it seriously, visit the School of Treeclimbing in Hereford, which offers a five-day course in tree climbing and aerial rescue.
Adrenaline peak
How about tree-top camping in Cornwall? Lying 15 metres up from the ground, resting on "tree boats" (hammocks safely suspended in the tree), you can spend the night in the branches and enjoy breakfast with the birds (you don't have to share their worms), courtesy of the Mighty Oak Tree Climbing Co.
Where to do it
Goodleaf Adventures is based on the Isle of Wight in an area of outstanding natural beauty (to add to the excitement, the exact venue is kept secret until you book). The Mighty Oak Climbing Co is based in the Gardens at Nanswhyden, Cornwall, and the School of Treeclimbing at Weobley in Hereford. All guides at these centres have taken certified classes at Tree Climbers International (TCI) in America, or are ex-tree surgeons.
Who can do it
Mighty Oak takes everyone from children as young as four or five years old up to sprightly adults aged around 60. As Goodleaf's Paul McCathie says, "It's your state of mind not your age that limits you."
What to take
Trainers with a good grip, a long- sleeved top and long trousers to avoid any scratches.
Typical prices
Group introductory courses start at about £35 per person (£25 for children) or £60 for private individual tuition. Mighty Oak will take you tree-top camping for £140 each (for 2-5 people). The School of Treeclimbing runs its five-day course for £300 per climber.
Impress your pals
Did you know that children are more likely to suffer an injury playing a computer game than climbing a tree? (Depressingly, there's a Tree Climbing "mini-game" made for PlayStation 2.) Also, actor Evangeline Lily from TV's Lost series is so good at climbing trees, she's nicknamed "monkey" by her co-stars.
YouTube searchwords 'tree climbing freeride'
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