Aberfoyle Go Ape treetop adventure
High ropes, zip lines and axe throwing in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
Verdict
Go if you are 10 or over, at least 1.4 m tall, happy with heights and want a half day in the forest.
Skip if you want a gentle walk, are under the height limit, or weigh more than the 130 kg Treetop Challenge limit.
- Treetop Challenge, from
- £36.95
- Minimum age, Treetop and Zip
- 10+
- Treetop Challenge takes
- 2–3 h
- Minimum height, Treetop
- 1.4 m
The short answer
Aberfoyle Go Ape is a high-ropes and zip-line course in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, run from the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre. The Treetop Challenge is the main course. It takes 2 to 3 hours, costs from £36.95 and is for ages 10 and over who are at least 1.4 m tall. A zip-only option and axe throwing sit beside it. Everything below comes from Go Ape's own pages, read on 13 October 2026. For the village and the rest of the day, the village of Aberfoyle is the nearest village, and what to do around the loch lists other days out.
What you get
The Treetop Challenge
This is the original course: 46 crossings, Tarzan swings and a cross-valley zip line, with the highest platform 22 m above the forest floor. You clip yourself on and move between platforms without an instructor beside you, which Go Ape calls self-belay. Go Ape gives the time as 2 to 3 hours.
The Zip Line Experience
If the crossings do not appeal, the zip-only ticket starts from £20.95 and is also for ages 10 and over. Go Ape lists a cross-valley dual zip line over 400 m, with a first zip of 323 m and a final zip 45 m high and 426 m long.
Axe throwing
Axe Throwing is a ground-based target activity from £18.95, for ages 12 and over. It suits anyone who wants to join the group without going up into the trees.
Rules that catch people out
The Treetop Challenge has a minimum height of 1.4 m and a maximum weight of 130 kg. Children aged 10 to 15 need an adult on the course with them, one adult for every two children, and that adult cannot supervise children on other high-ropes activities at the same time. Pockets must be empty and bumbags and backpacks are not allowed, though small items can be stored at the cabin.
Booking and changes
Go Ape says sessions often fill, so book online in advance; walk-up bookings are possible subject to availability. Rescheduling within 7 days of your booking costs £5. We found no published season dates or daily hours, so check the booking calendar for the day you want.
What to wear and bring
Go Ape asks for closed, sturdy shoes: no heels, slip-ons, flip-flops or Crocs. Keep your midriff covered, tie back long hair and avoid white clothing. Its own line is that the adventures are great in all weathers as long as you are prepared, so bring a layer. Storage at the cabin is limited and unsecured, so leave valuables in the car or at home.
Toilets, picnic areas and baby changing
Toilets are in the visitor centre and opposite the cabin, and baby-changing facilities are available. There are picnic areas on site, and the cafe in the visitor centre serves hot food and drinks if you would rather not pack lunch. Go Ape asks you to arrive 20 minutes before your booking and check in at the cabin first.
Eating and sleeping nearby
There is a cafe in the visitor centre serving hot food and drinks. For a proper meal afterwards, where to eat in Aberfoyle covers the village, and places to stay in Aberfoyle covers the overnight options.
How long to allow
Go Ape gives 2 to 3 hours for the Treetop Challenge. The other figures are planning estimates built from that, not timed visits.
| Time you have | What fits | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Zip or axe only | Check in 20 minutes early, do one activity and have a coffee at the visitor centre. | Go Ape does not state a duration for these, so ask when you book. |
| Half a day | The Treetop Challenge, then lunch in the visitor centre cafe. | Allow the full 3 hours plus the 20 minute check-in. |
| A full day | The Treetop Challenge in the morning, then a walk or lunch in Aberfoyle. | Walks such as Loch Ard route guide start in the same part of the Trossachs. |
| A mixed group | Climbers on the Treetop Challenge, younger or lighter-hearted members on the ground. | Axe Throwing is for ages 12 and over, so check each person against each activity. |
Prices and booking
- Treetop Challenge
- From £36.95. Ages 10 and over, minimum height 1.4 m, maximum weight 130 kg. Takes 2 to 3 hours.
- Zip Line Experience
- From £20.95. Ages 10 and over.
- Axe Throwing
- From £18.95. Ages 12 and over.
- Changing a booking
- £5 to reschedule within 7 days of the booking.
- Season and hours
- Not published where we looked. Check the booking calendar for your date.
- How to book
- Online at checkout.goape.co.uk, or by phone for groups on 01603 895500.
Getting there and parking
Go Ape is at the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, postcode FK8 3SX. Parking is pay and display. To compare it with other car parks in the park, see loch-side parking guide.
Lodge Forest Visitor Centre car park, Aberfoyle
- Cars
- £5 a day
- Minibuses and coaches
- £14 a day
- Payment
- Cash, card or the RingGo app
- Arrive
- 20 minutes before your booking; check in at the cabin first
- Toilets
- In the visitor centre and opposite the cabin
- Contact
- 01603 895500 (Mon to Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat and Sun 9am to 5pm) or questions@goape.co.uk
Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Car-free
We have no verified bus or train route to the visitor centre, and there is no railway station in Aberfoyle. Check Traveline Scotland for the day before you plan a trip without a car, and see public transport to the loch for the wider network.
Is it for me?
| If you are | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 10 | Poor | The minimum age is 10 for the Treetop Challenge and Zip Line, and 12 for axe throwing. |
| Ages 10 to 15 | Check | An adult must come on the course, one adult for every two children. |
| Anyone under 1.4 m or over 130 kg | Poor | Those are the Treetop Challenge height and weight limits. |
| Dogs | Check | Well-behaved dogs are welcome on site on leads, but cannot take part in the activities. |
| Wheelchair users | Check | The cabin area is hilly with limited wheelchair access. Contact Go Ape before you visit. |
| Anyone afraid of heights | Mixed | The zip-only ticket and axe throwing are options if you want to take part without the high crossings. |
Questions people ask
What is the age limit for participating in Go Ape adventures?
At Aberfoyle the Treetop Challenge and Zip Line Experience are for ages 10 and over, and Axe Throwing is for ages 12 and over.
What county is Aberfoyle in?
Aberfoyle is in the Stirling council area, and Go Ape's address reads Aberfoyle, Stirling. It sits in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
How long does Go Ape Aberfoyle take?
Go Ape gives 2 to 3 hours for the Treetop Challenge. Arrive 20 minutes before your booking.
Do I need to book Go Ape Aberfoyle?
Booking ahead is best. Go Ape says sessions often fill, though walk-up bookings are possible subject to availability.
Can I bring my dog to Go Ape Aberfoyle?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on site on leads, but they cannot take part in the activities, so someone must stay with the dog.
How much is parking at Go Ape Aberfoyle?
Parking is £5 a day for a car and £14 a day for a minibus or coach, paid by cash, card or RingGo.
What should I wear?
Closed, sturdy shoes are a must: no heels, slip-ons, flip-flops or Crocs. Empty your pockets before you start.