Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure (0845 643 9215/ goape.co.uk) does just what it says on the tin.

The forest adventure company offers exhilarating outdoor tree-top experiences in 28 locations throughout the UK, with some offering Segway tours as well.

At Go Ape! at Swinley Forest near Bracknell, Berkshire, we were kitted out with a harness and given safety training by an instructor. Afterwards, without supervision, we were let loose on the three tree-top courses.

Forest creatures were wary as we swung through the trees on zip wires, the longest being 525ft, crossed wooden walkways and bridges, many wobbling furiously enough to throw you off balance, tackled obstacles and leapt off Tarzan-style swings on to giant spiderweb rope nets.

Back on the ground, we moved on to the Forest Segway Experience. Zipping about the forest trails on two-wheel, electric powered scooters at speeds of up to 12mph and trying our hands at a spot of "Segway dancing", manoeuvring our machines into circular movements. This trip down to the woods certainly proved full of big surprises.

GETTING THERE

Two to three-hour Tree Top Adventure, £30 per adult, £20 per child (10 to 17 years). One hour Segway experience £25.