Tree Climbing

Tree climbing is the adventure of climbing up into a tree's branches, and recreational tree climbing does it safely with ropes, a harness and a helmet. It uses the same rope techniques as arborists, the people who look after trees and work high in the canopy. You climb at your own pace, rest whenever you like and explore the tree from the inside.

Good tree climbing is respectful climbing too. Climbers stay on strong, healthy branches, protect the bark where the ropes run over it and never use the metal spikes some tree workers wear, so the tree stays healthy for years to come.

The climbing rope is set over a strong branch high up in the tree. Climbers usually do this with a throw bag, a small weighted bag on a thin line that's tossed over the branch and used to pull the rope up after it.

Each climber wears a helmet and a climbing harness. The harness connects to the rope with carabiners and a friction hitch, a special knot that grips the rope when you stop and slides when you move it. That means you can inch your way up and rest at any time.

Up in the branches, a short strap called a lanyard keeps you attached as you move around. Some trees are also rigged with hammocks, tree tents or pulley systems that can help lift climbers who need an extra hand. Experienced climbers use methods called double rope technique and single rope technique to set up their ropes.

It starts on the ground with a safety briefing. Your Activity Leader fits everyone's helmet and harness and shows you how the rope and hitch work. Your first moves are close to the ground, getting used to sitting back into the harness and trusting the rope. Then it's up you go, one push at a time. Someone is on hand the whole way, and when you're ready to come down, you're lowered gently back to the ground.

Yes. Climbing trees is one of the classic joys of childhood, and ropes and harnesses let children go much higher than they could on their own, with a proper safety system in place. Every branch is a little puzzle to solve, so it's great for building confidence. Grown-ups can climb too, so you can meet in the canopy and take in the view together. With extra equipment and some planning, people with less mobility can often get up into the tree as well, so it's always worth asking ahead.

Trousers or shorts that feel comfortable under a harness, a top you can move in and closed-toe shoes with good grip. Tie long hair back with a hairband. Leave jewellery and anything in your pockets on the ground, so nothing can fall on the people below.

You might also like Tree Nets, Climbing Wall and Tree Canopy Gondola.

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