A walk on the wild side with safari adventure

Jun 6 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE largest and highest aerial obstacle course in Europe has opened at Knowsley Safari Park.

Adventurers of any age – head for heights permitting – are now able to scramble their way around the biggest rope course of its kind.

Although 60ft above ground at its tallest level, users are harnessed to a safety system that makes falling impossible, say the course organisers.

After opening the course, Lord Derby was the first person to officially complete the two-tier course and brave its optional, nerve-wracking finale – a 50ft sheer drop to the ground.

The parachute-style drop was launched earlier yesterday by the St Helens rugby team’s Jason Cayless and Apollo Perilini.

The course has a lower level specially made for children from the age of six.

Families, school trips and corporate team-building events are the groups Aerial Extreme hope to attract to the park.

After completing the course, Lord Derby, whose family has owned the Knowsley Estate since 1385, told the Daily Post: “I don’t like heights, so I was meeting a bit of a personal challenge to it take on, but those who do are going to have a ball.

“I felt a bit wobbly afterwards, but there was a real sense of satisfaction that I overcame my nerves.

“It is something so different for the safari park. Thus far, it has been the kind of place you sit back and enjoy driving through.

“We are very much in touch with the way the world is going and the park’s other new thing is the wildlife walks, which are a lovely way to enjoy the flowers, trees and streams and take peace for a moment.

“We have had so many firsts in Liverpool and Knowsley – including the safari park, which is the biggest in the country – and now we have this which is the highest and largest in Europe.

“Capital of Culture year is going to be amazing.”

Willing victims, including many of the park’s staff, took the opportunity to try out the course, which incorporates aerial slides, scramble nets and climbing walls.

The harness system is connected to the course at all times, so that users do not have to unclip as they make their way around – although as a result, people cannot backtrack or get off until they have completed the circuit.

Aerial Extreme managing director Robert Ropner said: “Although our courses aren’t for the faint-hearted they’re perfectly safe, and everyone really encourages one another to complete the various stages, pushing themselves to the limit.”

It is the fourth adventure ropes course the company have set up in the UK.

vickyanderson