frequently asked
questions about the park
Ropes Course Safety Briefing
Before we let you out on to the ropes course you will need to take part in our safety briefing besides the cabin. This lasts about ten minutes and consists of watching our short video, the fitting of harnesses and helmets and then, to demonstrate that you have been paying attention, you have a quick test on our short practice route.
We will ensure that all equipment is safe and fitted correctly before you embark on the proper course.
To help you prepare for things and give you a feel for what's involved, you can watch the video ahead of your visit by clicking here. Don't worry you'll be able to watch it again before you go out onto the ropes.
How hard is it?
It’s not a walk in the park! The high ropes are physically demanding and some of the elements will be very challenging for some people. The course is much harder than some of the more common and popular high ropes courses around the country. The elements test you in different ways, some are more obvious and purely physical, while others are more about working the best way mentally. Many elements do require good levels of upper body strength and mobility, but if you are generally fit and healthy and can handle a workout then chances are you can do most of the obstacles around the course.
Our Low Ropes are best suited for younger (5-8 year olds) and children who are less confident or able to tackle the harder, higher routes.
Our High Ropes Course is for older children and adults who are more confident with heights and happy about a physical workout! The Levels do not neccessarily increase in difficulty the higher up you go - for instance, Level 3 is harder than Level 4 - check the Levels Planner for more details but whichever level you get to experience they all require a head for heights and ample upper body strength!
Certain levels have certain restrictions based on ages, height and weight.
It is worth noting that our levels are all one-way, you are clipped-in on a continuous belay stsyem so once you are out on the course, unless you are right at the start, the only ways off the course are to complete the level you are on, or as a last resort to be rescued.
Participants are not joined or directly supervised by an instructor while out on the course - participants are expected to manage the obstacles and use our belay safety system independently.
If someone gets stuck, or has a wobble, in the first instance we will talk to and try to encourage participants and work through the obstacles - this works for the majority of people and it's amazing to see the sense of accomplishment people feel afterwards. We will of course help as and when needed.
Please note, in the majority of circumstances, a refund will not be issued because a participant found the course too difficult.
Due to the difficulties involved on the highest levels, we may need to evaluate whether you are capable of completing them before allowing access.
What if there’s bad weather?
We operate in most weathers – come rain or shine! Rain and showers, snow and moderate winds are all perfectly acceptable condition for the ropes course to be safely used.
The main reasons for potential closure are storm-like conditions such as very strong winds, very heavy rain and/or the chance of a lightning strike.
If the weather is so severe that we have to cancel a particular session or close the ropes course, we will notify you at our earliest convenience and re-schedule your booking for another time.
Can children go by themselves on the course?
That all depends on their height and age.
On the Low Ropes (Level 1), children go on the course by themselves but must be accompanied by a supervising adult. This adult is not physically on the course, but walking besides on the ground to actively supervise children if needed.
On the High Ropes (Levels 2 - 6), under 12 year olds must be accompanied by a participating adult. An adult can supervise up to 2 under 12’s. For young people between 12 and 16 years an adult is required to supervise either on the course or remain on-site for the duration of the session.
Remember after the safety briefing has taken place and you have demonstrated that you're ready, participants will not be joined alongside or directly supervised by an instructor out on the course - participants are expected to manage the obstacles and use our belay safety system independently.
If someone gets stuck, or has a wobble, in the first instance we will talk to and try to encourage people and work through the obstacles - this works for the majority of people and it's amazing to see the sense of accomplishment afterwards. We will of course help people as and when needed.
What should I wear?
Obviously not your Sunday best - wear something light and comfortable that is appropriate for the day’s weather and that you don’t mind if it gets grubby! If sunshine is forecast then t-shirt & shorts is fine, if it looks likely to be a wet one then probably best to bring a coat! Either way we suggest something that covers your stomach/abdomen area to stop the harness from rubbing (no crop tops).
It is important that you wear footwear that isn’t going to fall off easily, and also covers your heel and toes – so no crocs, flip-flops or slippers! A sturdy pair of trainers, shoes or walking boots will do just fine.
They are not compulsory but we also recommend you wear gloves – these can be purchased online ahead of your visit and collected when you arrive – or you can bring your own.
Long hair should be tied back to prevent getting entangled in any of the equipment. Also any jewellery and body piercings that are deemed to be a entanglement risk must be removed or taped over.
What about bags & personal belongings?
Sorry, no hand bags, bumbags, carrier bags or back packs are permitted on the course due to the fitting of the harness. All loose items (phones, keys, wallet, coins etc) must be removed from pockets during all activities - asides from being uncomfartable they could fall out and get damaged or hit someone below. We ask that personal belongings are kept in an alternative place - leave at home, in your car or with someone watching from the ground - things dropped on to the ground can be really difficult to find!
You may take a phone around the ropes course but it must be kept inside of a phone holder/carry pouch and attached securely to your persons. We have pouches available to purchase when you book or you can bring your own – these must be inspected by one of our instructors before embarking on the course.
Do you hold birthday parties?
We can offer Low Ropes Parties which are aimed at 5-8 year olds. For more details see our Parties page. We are unable to offer Parties on the High Ropes or for older children at this stage but are working on a solution.
You can still book a group of children onto the High Ropes and the Tower activities for up to 15 children. If you have more than 15, please contact us to discuss your requirements and we’ll see what we can do.
What is the minimum height?
That depends on which Level or activity you are doing!
All participants on Level 1 must be between 1 metre and 1.45 metre tall. Sorry no participants over 1.45 metres tall are allowed due to the obstacles.
All adventure seekers on High Ropes Levels 2-4, and the activities from the Tower must be 1.2m tall and over.
All daredevils on High Ropes Levels 5 & 6 must be at least 1.45m tall or over.
What is the maximum weight?
The weight limit on our high ropes is 18st 9lb / 120kg. However, more important than your weight is the fact that you must fit safely within the harness.
How am I attached to the course?
You stay on the same line. We use a continuous belay system called Expoglider. You are joined to the exploglider via your harness and therefore safely attached to the course at all times - put simply, you can't fall more than about 30cm!
This clever solid cast metal loop glides over the cables. It is completely impossible to disconnect from the cable but has a small narrow opening on one side allowing you to slide it through anchor points along the way to each obstacle. Once on the cable, you can not unclip until you come to the end of a route.
We also have several ‘exchange stations’ on the tower, these work like junctions where you can basically select which path to continue on – be it the next level, a specific route or a particular jump.
What happens if I get stuck or want to stop?
Our team are well trained if such an occasion arises and will try to encourage you through any tricky elements. We understand heights aren’t for everyone though, so if you do get stuck or decide that you really can’t carry on then one of our team will take action appropriately. If you are really nervous about the experience, we suggest either booking a Supervised Session, or trying a route on the Low Ropes, or you could book a High Ropes session at a quieter time when there are less people around.
Please note in the majority of circumstances, we will not issue a refund purely because a participant found the course too difficult.
Can I get additional support?
If you need extra assistance in participating around the course please get in Contact with us prior to booking to discuss your requirements.
What about amendments, refunds or cancellations?
In effect, once you have recieved the safety briefing, are kitted up and have been out on the course, as standard, a refund is unlikely.
For full details on our policy see our Terms & Conditions, but in brief…
- More than 14 days before your session – you can move at no cost or cancel a booking and receive a full refund.
- Between 14 days and 48 hours before your session – you can move your booking (at cost), but 50% of the booking price will remain due and will not be refunded.
- Within 48 hours before your session – sorry you won’t be entitled to a refund for any amendment or cancellation to your booking.
In the majority of circumstances, we will not issue a refund purely because a participant found the course too challenging.
Do you have parking?
Yes we have ample parking facilities for motorbikes and cars to larger vehicles such as coaches. We also have a bicycle rack if you prefer non-motorised modes of transport!
Can I pop in for a drink or to watch?
Yes absolutely! You do not need to be a member or a climber or to have pre-booked at all - you can pop in and grab a drink or a snack from our cabin whenever we're open. We serve a mix of hot and cold drinks, snacks and have a great selection of ice creams all available for takeaway or you're more than welcome to take a seat and watch the action.
Can we bring our own food?
We serve a selection of hot and cold drinks plus snacks and ice creams from our cabin and our cafe bar. You are welcome to bring your own food or drinks while outside watching the action on the ropes course, but please do not bring any food or drink items in to the cafe bar.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes absolutely! Well-behaved four-legged friends are among some of our favourite customers - as long as they're open to a cuddle or two!
How do I book the trapeze?
All Bars Flying Trapeze are based within our Park but are a totally seperate business. For all enquiries please visit https://www.allbars.net/
Why the name?
We’re pronouncing it ‘Two seventy” rather than “Two hundred and seventy”. The origins of the name come from the initial planned setting for 270 Climbing Park, which was due to be in Westgate Park in Gloucester (“west”…. 270 degrees …that was the thinking!). Plans were progressing well and was due to open in 2019 but had to be scrapped at the last minute after ground contamination issues ruled the development completely unfeasible. But not to be defeated, our attention quickly switched to alternative locations and not long after we became aware of the current site coming on to the market. After investing in the development for so long, by then the name just stuck!