Skywalk Adventure
Sandown Sports, More Ln, Esher KT10 8AN
Melinda Wills McHugh and her 12-year-old son brave the high ropes at Esher's adventure attraction, the Skywalk Adventure at Sandown Park...
I’m not an adventurous person. In fact, it’s safe to say that my idea of adventure is writing in a café instead of in my house, or heading to the theatre.
So the thought of being strapped into a harness 30 feet in the air, travelling down a zip line, climbing rope bridges and walking across swinging logs isn’t normally my idea of a good time. I’d much prefer to be on terra firma, preferably with a cappuccino in my hand.
Subsequently, when I was asked if I’d like to review Skywalk Adventure with my son, 12, I was initially hesitant – but then I thought, why not step out of my comfort zone and do something completely different, and I’m actually really glad I did.
We were told to wear sensible clothing and shoes, and arrive at least 15 minutes early, and as Skywalk Adventure is part of the popular Sandown Ski Centre, this is good advice. I would also recommend wearing gloves as the ropes can hurt your hands (gloves are also sold at the front counter).
We were met by an instructor who strapped us into our harnesses, gave us a safety talk and hooked us up to the safe roller system which we were attached to for the whole course. We were told that he would know where we were at all times and for us to call if we needed help. So far, so good – I can do this, I said to myself!
As I ascended the stairs and rope bridges, I desperately tried not to think about the logical consequences which inevitably will result from my actions i.e. what goes up, must come down.
With my son behind me, I wanted to show him that I could be fearless. So, taking the lead, I walked across the rope bridge and the hanging logs, and high above the skiers below, realised that the next step was the zip line across to the other side of the course. I’d never used a zip line before!
With skiers below me and my son behind me, I put on a brave smile, counted to three and took off.
The skiers looked up as I flew over them, but I made it to the other side and turned to see my son ready to zip across too. The reward was the most amazing view across south-west London, and on a clear day I imagine that you could see forever.
From there, we climbed more ropes, used even more zip lines and traversed wobbly wooden bridges. When I made it to the end, I was grateful to be back on flat ground and the instructor said to me, “You did really well. Are you ready for the next one?”
“Next one?” I asked.
“Oh yes, there are two courses,” he said with a smile.
“Is this one harder than the first?” I asked.
“Oh yes, but you’ll be fine,” he said.
So off we trudged again – to the next course that was awaiting us. This time though, my son, with new confidence took the lead and together we traversed even more wobbly bridges, walked a tightrope, climbed through a barrel roll, flew through more zip lines, and generally had a blast.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Bring it on.
