Anyone brought up on Indiana Jones will fancy a crack at Planters new High Ropes challenge, the, aptly named, Sky Trail. For the uninitiated this is a series of high obstacles to test your balance and nerves. Set across two levels there are something like 24 obstacles to try. Unlike Indy's perils your safety is guaranteed by a comfortable harness and rope that attaches you to an overhead rail that means you can't actually fall much further than a few inches.
To those who have tried this sort of thing before it is a very similar set up to Quest in Merry Hill and is a major upgrade to the facilities at places like Ape escape where there is one prescribed route and negotiating the overhead rail can be a real effort. With Sky Trail you can dodge the harder obstacles or swap places with a friend or child if it makes sense for one of you to go first. My daughter is 8 and small for her age and enjoyed, and was able to complete, over half the course - the rail system allowing her to repeat obstacles rather than be forced to finish her session. Staff are friendly and quick to lend a hand without ever seeming overbearing, like a good waiter they are there when you need them and invisible the rest of the time. A big shout out to staff member Grace who was particularly helpful during our visit. You complete the adventure with possibly a few grazes that you will proudly show off later as you reminisce. Completing this kind of course gives you a real sense of achievement, especially if, like me, heights are generally not your thing. The price is exceptional value at £15 for an adult and two children, for anyone passing through north Birmingham or Tamworth I'd say this is a must visit.
If that wasn't enough the garden centre that hosts sky trail also has a beach, outside play area and a café that serves everything from cream teas to roast dinners - but no chilled monkey brains Indy fans! There is also a tropical fish section and a pet area with lizards, rabbits, parrots and even snakes, why did it have to be snakes. I even found a carnivorous plant section to stretch out my Dr Jones fantasy that bit further. Mums and dads looking for low cost entertainment I can tell you that I popped to Planters to visit Sky Trail and ended up doing 3 and a half hours there in total. Here's hoping that in 2015 they install a mine cart ride. read more
