Natural Highs
In a guest blog exploring health and wellbeing activities in the Tweed Valley, Go Ape’s Rob McGurk explains how time up in the trees can benefit both body and mind.
On a cold winter’s day, when the rain is lashing at the windows and a blue sky seems like a distant memory, it’s easy to make excuses to stay in the house. But there are so many benefits to braving the elements. When you do, you will notice improvements to your physical and mental wellbeing.
We live in a world which is becoming increasingly urbanised, and while this has advantages, it also comes with a cost to our health. Evidence suggests that one of the best ways to improve wellbeing is to spend time in rural environments. Time spent in a rural setting can reduce rumination and brain activity associated with depression in a way that time in urban environments cannot.
So, one simple step we can all take to improve our wellbeing is to escape from the concrete jungle and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is all part of the Go Ape experience
Physical activity also has its own positive impact. Not only does moving about benefit our cardiovascular system and physical health, it also contributes to mental wellbeing through the release of ‘happy chemicals’: endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.
How can we experience these benefits? A brisk walk or bike ride is an obvious choice here in the Scottish Borders. Our staff team at Go Ape Peebles are all keen outdoor enthusiasts who run, swim, bike and climb. Variety is a key factor in making the most of your outdoor experiences.
At Go Ape Peebles, our Treetop Challenge high ropes experience incorporates obstacles which exercise both the body and the mind. The physicality of obstacles like the Rope Ladders or the Stirrups is matched by the mental fortitude required for stepping off the Tarzan Swing, or braving the Giant’s Step. We appreciate that everyone has different adventure thresholds, so the course begins with the easier obstacles – and the harder ones are avoidable.
Impressive views over the Glentress ponds …
In the summer, we offer a Zip Line Experience, where the obstacles are minimised, putting the focus on our two big zip lines – the longest one is a whopping 325 metres! Stepping off the zip platform is an experience to thrill the senses, revealing the beauty of the natural world as the valley opens up on either side and the Glentress ponds are visible below.
One of the best things about my job is hearing customers express their joy after completing the course, especially when people return to the cabin buzzing with the excitement of having pushed themselves to do something different. This is the physical manifestation of all those ‘happy chemicals’ being released.
Whatever the season, whatever the weather, take the opportunity to exercise in the great outdoors. And if you want to dial up the thrill, we’ll see you up in the trees at Glentress Forest.
Further information
Rob McGurk is Activity Manager at Go Ape Peebles, based in beautiful Glentress Forest. Go Ape’s treetop course is ideal for kids aged 10+ searching for adventure (min height: 1.4m) – and grown-up kids looking for an adrenaline-fuelled day out. It’s open all year round.