Ropes Course - Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Dangerous?

Participation on the VerticalAir ropes course is not dangerous provided that you follow a few simple guidelines. Obviously the ropes course has real dangers but we manage those risks extremely carefully to keep everyone safe. We only use high quality, well maintained equipment in combination with well qualified & mature instructional staff, who have many years of experience of working with groups in the outdoors, to ensure that your group has a safe enjoyable day with us.

No one is allowed to do any of the high activities without a safety rope and support team. The risk of being at height on the activities is "perceived" not real, many people feel at risk because they are in an unfamiliar environment. The majority of people enjoy the challenge and achieve far more that they thought possible.

Do you have insurance?

Yes we have full public and third party liability insurance link - for your reference you can download a copy of our insurance documents in PDF format by clicking here.

In addition to this VerticalAir is a licence holder with AALA (Adventure Activity Licensing Authority), this is an organistaion that carries out inspections of outdoor providers on behalf of the Health & Safety Executive and is a requirement for any company in the uk that offers activities for those under 18. Our Insurance Certificate number is CGLB06H000/235, our AALA license is R0551.

Finally we carry Employers Liability of £10,000,000, Public Liability £5,000,000, Products Liability £5,000,000 and Errors and Omissions £100,000.

What else can you do?

We offer a full range of traditional outdoor activities - climbing, caving, canoeing and kayaking. We also offer a range of Training Products providing tried and tested training activities for trainers to use on their own programmes. Also on offer are Events which have a theme and a practical aspect to them these are day or half day challenges and activities in their own right and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your training courses or conferences. Or why not try something completely different? VerticalAir has run a number of highly successful Community Projects - they are no less of a challenge for a group than the ropes course & at the same time you get to give something back to the community!

Finally if you have an idea of what you want to do with a group of people then we can probably sort something out for you! We have such a breadth of experience working with people for the last 25 years all over the world in every imaginable scenario so if you don't see what you are looking for on the site why not get in touch and ask!

Who can come to VerticalAir?

VerticalAir is open to anyone either resident or non resident at the Castle Green hotel.

What if I don't like heights?

Many people ask this question. There are a range of activities at ground level and the higher elements need a ground team to hold their safety ropes so working within a team it needs both high and low abilities to complete many of the challenges.

How high is it?

The tower is 15 meters to the top, most of the activities are at 10 meters and some are at ground level. You have choices about the height that you work at and the speed you progress from activity to activity during your stay with VerticalAir. We understand that different groups have different needs and we see our ability to match your groups wishes and desires whilst at the same time offering a challenging and exciting day as one of our key skills.

How many can we accommodate?

We can accommodate many different sizes of group from 8 to over 100 on the site.

How long does it take?

We usually run day sessions 9.00 to 4.30 and that allows you to complete most of the activities on site. There is a lot to do and most people find six hours challenging enough. We can spread it over two days to allow you the full experience or you can have half a day and choose which of the activities you would like to try.

How many different activities are there?

There are 10 major elements to the site. Each taking up to an hour with a group of ten participants. There are also smaller elements that we incorporate that can take about half an hour to complete. (Whale watch, giant swing and balance beam for example).

How close to the hotel are you?

We are in the Hotel grounds five minutes walk, uphill from the hotel. (We do have vehicle access to the site).

What do we need to bring & wear?

You need to bring appropriate clothing for the weather and time of year, it is sheltered in the woods and we do have a shelter. But it can be cold and wet or hot and sunny. If you are not staying in the hotel then lunch and a drink should be brought or there is a pub next to the hotel where lunches can be provided. You should wear comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs and allows you to move freely. You should wear training shoes or lightweight walking boots on your feet.

How much does it cost?

Full day from £90.00 plus vat Half day from £60.00 plus vat This includes instruction and all specialist equipment required for the day.

Who built the site?

The site was originally built in 2001 by a Belgium company called Exponent but has be extended and maintained locally since then by Vertigo and CAS Ltd.

Do you have risk assessments for each of the activities?

Yes these can be viewed at any time just ask. We carry out regular maintenance and have both the trees and structures checked annually.

Is it all up high?

No there is a variety of Challenges some high and some Low allowing for choice and opportunity to test and challenge yourselves.

Is there an age limit?

Yes ... our youngest participant has been four and our oldest 86 so far!