It's not just the school holidays which are in full swing, as Mervyn Hancock discovers in the treetops of the Forest of Dean – the ideal place for the whole family

WITH the little monkeys to ent- ertain during their school hol- idays, what can you find for them to do that is different, exciting, provides exercise, stimulates their minds, and gets them outdoors and from under your feet?

Difficult? Not really, just turn them into baboons and send them off to swing in the trees in the beautiful Forest of Dean. And if you can't bear to leave them then go along, too, as a gorilla.

No, I haven't taken leave of my senses, and nor have the one million-plus people who spend their leisure time climbing rope ladders into the trees and then carefully trekking their way across the branches of the forest, with the ground a dizzy 40ft below.

They are experiencing a UK adventure trip of a lifetime by becoming honorary primates and joining the Go Ape High Wire Forest Adventure – an award-winning outdoor adventure course devised by a husband and wife team six years ago.

Go Ape takes place in locations all around the British Isles, but here in the West Country it is based at Mallards Pike Lake, in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside, and is the ideal spot to combine the more exhilarating part of the adventure with a family picnic, barbecue or a trip along the specially prepared mountain- bike track.

Under-18s are the baboons and everyone else is a gorilla, and the course is split into five sections, all linked by natural footpaths. Expert instructors give you an extensive safety briefing, after which time you are provided with a safety harness, and then shown the first rope ladder climb which takes you into an adventure playground, high up in the canopy. The way down is always much faster though, with a zip-slide back to terra firma.

Up in the canopy itself you will encounter a series of rope ladders, bridges, Tarzan swings, trapezes, stirrup crossings, zip-wires, and, of course, some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

It is exciting exercise for all ages and completely safe. If the going gets tough then there is always a helping hand nearby. The courses are designed to provide more than three hours of fun and challenges.

Creating adventures and encouraging others to live life more adventurously is the ethos behind Go Ape. It's very much about introducing people, young and old, to the forest and being able to explore the forest from a different perspective. The company is acclaimed for its confidence building and risk management skills offering an environmentally responsible and sus- tainable activity.

Of course, there are some restrictions to ensure everyone's safety. The minimum age is 10 years, minimum height 1.4m (4ft 7ins) and maximum weight of 20.5 stone.

Under-18s must be accompanied by a participating adult. One adult can supervise either up to two children (where one or both is under 16) or up to five 16-17 year olds.

Prices: gorillas (18 years+) £25, baboons (10-17 years) £20. Opening times: now until October 31 inclusive (additional evening slots available now until end of August). Open weekends throughout November. Closed December-January. Booking essential. Visit www.goape.co.uk or call 0845 643 2034.

Factfile

THE Royal Forest of Dean nestles between the Wye Valley, the Vale of Leadon and the Seven Valley, and takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the West Country. The whole area is steeped in history, and its aura of magic and mystery has inspired great artists and writers throughout the centuries.

The 27,000 acres of woodland, which was designated a National Park almost 70 years ago, is dotted with quaint towns and villages – many of which seem to be in a timewarp, and where the friendly locals live in harmony (most of the time) with roaming animals.

The Forest of Dean is made up of four quite different landscape areas, with the ancient woodland itself at the very heart of the district with the market towns of Coleford and Cinderford offering an insight into the industrial heritage and history of this fascinating area.

On the western border is the outstandingly beautiful Wye Valley, forming a natural boundary between England and Wales, which offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as canoeing and fishing on what is perhaps Britain's most unspoilt major river.

In the north, the Vale of Leadon is a quintessentially unspoilt English area featuring rolling farmland, vineyards and black and white timbered buildings centered around the picturesque town of Newent, while the final part is The Severn Valley, through which flows the country's longest river, is famous for its tidal bore, Blaisdon Plums and Perry Pears. The old Severnside port of Lydney is the area's main town, and is a thriving business and shopping area.