New High and Low Ropes Course at Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre
July 5th, 2023
In an era dominated by screens and digital devices, outdoor adventures provide a breath of fresh air for individuals seeking a thrilling experience and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. One such endeavour, the construction of a high and low ropes course at the Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre, has transformed our facility. In this blog, we will explore the exhilarating elements incorporated into the course, the involvement of the specialised firm JM Adventure and the sustainable choice of rubber chippings for the course surface.
Crafting Customised Ropes Course Experiences
To ensure the ropes course at Cumulus Outdoors was built to the highest standards of safety and quality, we collaborated with JM Adventure, a renowned firm who specialise in constructing ropes courses. Their expertise and experience in the field ensured the creation of a dynamic and engaging course that met the centre’s objectives.
JM Adventure worked closely with the Cumulus Outdoors team to develop a tailored ropes course design that catered to our needs and preferences. The construction process involved meticulous planning, incorporating safety measures while adhering to industry standards to create an unforgettable adventure for participants.
Rubber Chippings: Sustainable Surfacing Solution
Cumulus Outdoors recognises the importance of sustainability and made an eco-conscious choice by opting for rubber chippings, which are recycled tyres, to finish the surface of the ropes course. This decision not only enhances safety by providing a soft and impact-absorbing landing area, but also contributes to environmental preservation by reusing materials that would otherwise go to waste. The 25 tonnes of rubber chippings utilised in the project not only create a visually appealing surface, but also promote sustainable practices and inspire others to follow suit.
High Ropes Course
Designing high elements for a daring experience
The high ropes course at Cumulus Outdoors in Swanage is designed to challenge participants both physically and mentally, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. The four notable high elements included in the course are:
- Jacobs Ladder: A towering structure that tests individuals’ strength, coordination and teamwork as they climb rungs progressively further apart, reaching for the top. Conquering this challenge fosters self-belief and promotes cooperation among participants.
- High All-Aboard: This element demands trust, communication and collaboration, as participants work together to ascend a platform and balance on it simultaneously. It pushes individuals to overcome their fears and builds camaraderie among team members.
- Double Trapeze: A thrilling activity that requires individuals to jump from the platform to the trapeze, it challenges participants to conquer their fears of heights and develop confidence in their abilities.
- Crate Stack: An exhilarating test of balance and strategy, the crate stack requires participants to stack crates beneath their feet while maintaining equilibrium. As the stack grows taller, participants must rely on their focus and agility to succeed.
Low Ropes Course
Additionally, we took the initiative to design and create our own low ropes elements, further expanding the offering and adding an extra layer of excitement to the sessions. These unique low elements were carefully crafted to provide participants with engaging challenges that foster teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Peg pole traverse: One of the low ropes elements we developed is the peg pole traverse, where participants navigate a series of poles at varying heights, relying on balance and coordination to make their way across. This activity encourages individuals to support each other as they work together to overcome obstacles and reach the other side.
- Mine field: Another thrilling element is the mine field, a team-building exercise that demands trust and effective communication. Participants must navigate through a field filled with imaginary ‘mines’ by relying solely on verbal instructions from their teammates. This activity not only enhances cooperation but also highlights the importance of clear and concise communication.
- Laser maze: Lastly, we created the laser maze, a captivating challenge that requires participants to manoeuvre their way through a web of ‘laser beams’ without touching them. This element tests participants’ agility, problem-solving abilities and focus as they navigate the intricate maze. It offers a unique and immersive experience that adds an element of adventure and intrigue to the ropes course.
Encouraging personal growth, teamwork and self-confidence
By designing and implementing these low ropes elements, Cumulus Outdoors aims to provide a comprehensive and diverse range of activities, catering to participants of all skill levels and interests. These additions not only enhance the overall experience but also encourage personal growth, teamwork, and self-confidence. Whether conquering the heights of the high elements or navigating the intricacies of the low ropes elements, participants at Cumulus Outdoors can expect an unforgettable and transformative adventure.
Embracing the great outdoors and creating lasting memories
The construction of a high and low ropes course at the Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre has elevated the centre’s offerings, providing individuals with an opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally in a natural setting. The incorporation of high elements such as Jacobs Ladder, High All-Aboard, Double Trapeze, and Crate Stack promises a thrilling experience, fostering personal growth and team building.
Collaborating with JM Adventure ensured the creation of a top-notch ropes course, while the use of 25 tonnes of recycled rubber chippings for surfacing demonstrates Cumulus Outdoors’ commitment to sustainability. With this exciting addition, Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre has reinforced its position as one of the best adventure school trip providers in Dorset. Our outdoor adventure activity is a haven for schools and children across the country, encouraging them to embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories.
Our high and low ropes course is available to schools, youth groups and general public. It is fantastic team building activity for a company away day or day out with friends.