Soaring to New Heights at Moors Valley Go Ape

A visit to Go Ape at Moors Valley is a firm favourite for us, and each time we’re there, Gabriel seems to grow braver and bolder. But this time held a special surprise! We discovered that they’d opened a brand-new mid-level course, and Gabriel was just old enough—and tall enough—to give it a go.

Watching him stride up to the safety briefing, learning how to clip and unclip his harness on his own, was surreal. There he was, my little boy, taking full responsibility for his own safety, double-checking each clip before moving onto the next challenge. My heart was pounding more than his, I’m sure, but he took it all in stride, crossing wobbly bridges, navigating swinging platforms, and zipping down wire lines at what felt like terrifying heights.

At one point, I found myself staring up at him as he tackled a particularly tricky bridge, his balance steady, his gaze forward, and his confidence unwavering. It was both nerve-wracking and wonderful to see how fearlessly he moved from challenge to challenge, never second-guessing himself.

At the end, as he took his final zip line down to solid ground, he was beaming with pride, and I could only imagine how he felt inside. Gabriel had reached a new level—not just in height or ability, but in his own self-assurance. And as I gave him a high-five and congratulated him, I knew he’d gained something more than just a thrilling adventure: the satisfaction of knowing he could depend on himself and face whatever challenges come his way.