Zipline Aviemore: An Exhilarating Highland Adventure
Flying through the air at high speed is something I never thought I would do... with a general fear of heights and the occasional bout of vertigo, zip lining is something that hasn't been at the top of my list of things to do, but that's exactly what my daughters and two brothers did on a cool November afternoon on the outskirts of The Alvie Estate and Aviemore.
My brother Matthew had been to this zip park before and was eager to show us the ropes. We booked the "Zip Adventure" with G2 Outdoor, about 6 miles southwest of Aviemore, via the A9 or the B9152.
We first grabbed lunch at the amazing Alvie Forest Food, just a short drive from the zip line centre. I always order the brisket-loaded fries; they are amazing! We also ate in the nearby yurt this time, which was fun and very cosy.
G2 Adventure Hub
Arriving at the adventure hub, I was impressed with what I saw. The facility has a coffee hut and a changing area that is nicely laid out. The stand-out feature is the large tower, which I later realised would be our final destination on the zip trek.
We received a warm welcome when we arrived at the centre, and we were asked into the main building to complete some information forms on the provided tablets. If you have kids, a profile has to be added for them, too, under yours as the adult in charge.
Getting ready!
Our instructor for the day was Dave, a lovely English guy with a slightly odd sense of humour but was excellent at his job. Dave helped us get our harnesses on and enjoyed making fun of us doing it all wrong.
Once he was happy with our safety equipment, Dave took us along a short walk up the side of the valley where we would be ziplining. It wasn't too far, but there were steep sections.
The start of the course has a training area so you can get used to the safety equipment. The course is very safe with its permanently connected safety system, which makes it impossible to fall from as you are always connected even when your zip pulley isn't connected to the next zip line.
It's a little confusing to begin with. There is a C-shaped connector attached to a metal wire; it is impossible to remove this at any point in the course. Being connected means you have to navigate this C-shaped connector through different areas, up and down ladders and some sections have multiple routes. By the time we finished the course, it had become second nature, so don't worry if you struggle at the start. My daughters found it hard to clip the pulley on and off, and Olivia (eleven years old) needed help throughout the course.
Zip Adventure Course
After we had been "trained", we were let loose on the course itself. The course is a self-guided journey, so the instructor basically just left us to progress at our own pace, but he was in the vicinity if we needed help. I liked that we were left to it; it made it less stressful, particularly when trying to get my head around the moving from each zip line with the safety harness; some areas are like a 3D puzzle.
The Alvie Gorge we zipped through was truly beautiful; the magnificent Scot's pines and rushing sound of waterfalls below really added to the magic of the setting. The rocky cliffs add a sense of danger, even though you are nowhere near them.
After many zips across the gorge, we came to the final zip slide back to the large tower at the Adventure Hub. This was the longest and fastest zip to finish our trek. I was the last one to undertake the zip, and I embarrassingly came in a bit fast and gained a "very elegant landing" comment from the instructor! It was far from elegant!
Advertised as taking 1.5 hours to complete, I would say this is pretty much right; it took that long to do, it didn't feel like it was over too fast, and we didn't feel disappointed at the end.
There was another course named the "Zip Trek", which is a bit longer at 2.5 hours, but we thought the 1.5-hour option was the best of the two courses for us on this occasion. If you fancy something different, there is a nighttime adventure option with the forest lit with colourful lights.
FAQs on ziplining near Aviemore
How to get to G2 Outdoor Adventure Hub
It takes about 12 minutes from Aviemore to travel the 6 miles to the G2 Adventure Hub.
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Leave Aviemore, travelling south on the B9152.
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Stay on the B9152, and keep your eyes open for a right turn, which will take you below the A9. There is a red sign marked "G2 Outdoor".
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Follow this minor road and keep following signs for G2. Eventually, you will arrive at "G2 Adventure Hub".
When returning to Aviemore, take a left from the adventure hub, connect onto the A9, and follow signs for Aviemore. It's quicker to return this way than retracing your steps, and leads correctly to the dual carriageway of the A9.
Directions to G2 Adventure Hub on Google Maps.
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What is a zip line adventure?
After a short walk up the side of a picturesque gorge, you begin a zip line course which crisscrosses the valley to various platforms in the trees. You zig-zag on wires to reach each area of the course. It's exciting and something completely different.
What is the minimum age for the zip trek park?
Your kids must be at least ten years old to participate in the zip trek, and those under 13 must be accompanied by an adult (2 kids per adult).
How much did the Zip Adventure cost?
It was pretty expensive at £37 per person, but I would say it was worth it, and the length and quality of the course justified the expense.
How fit do you have to be to undertake the zip lining?
Reasonable fitness will be required, but most people will manage. Pulling yourself up to the next ledge after your last zip is the hardest part.
Did the zip line feel safe?
Yes, very safe. The safety harnesses and platforms were absolutely solid; at no point did I think any part of the course was unsafe. It's impossible to fall from the course at any point.
Zip Lining Aviemore Videos
Here are a few short video clips from our zip trek; the light was relatively poor towards the end, but it gives you an idea of what to expect.
Key information on zip lining near Aviemore
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The Zipline Adventure is located at G2 Outdoor on the Alvie Estate, on the outskirts of Aviemore (6 miles southwest).
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The zip trek takes you across a picturesque gorge and finally back to the tower within the adventure hub.
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Booking is simple via the G2 Website or by calling +44 (0)1540 651784.
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Two zip adventure courses are available, one at 1.5 hours and another at 2.5 hours. A nighttime zip trek is also on offer.
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The cost for our trek was £37 per person.
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The minimum age was 10, but my 11-year-old daughter did struggle a little.
Conclusion
We all enjoyed our visit to the G2 Outdoor Zip Adventure Course. Zipping through the stunning Scottish pine forest over waterfalls while taking in the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands was really something to behold. If you want to do something different on your next trip to Aviemore, I highly recommend G2 Outdoor's course.
All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.
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