GO APE is known for its thrill-seeking adventures and tree-top challenges, but imagine doing it all in the dark.

I was invited to experience the Sundown Adventure with my friend Lidia on October 19 at around 6.30pm, just before the sky turned dark.

I've enjoyed the tree-top adventure in the daylight, but it’s a completely different ball game when experiencing it at night.

Hues of purple, pink, green and orange half-lit the course to create a sunset effect as we tackled the high-top adventure.

(Image: Newsquest)

When we arrived, there was still a hint of daylight in the sky, but that soon faded once we were given a safety demonstration.

Once harnessed up and educated on the safety of the course, standing at the base of the first obstacle course and looking up at the ropes suspended high above our heads, my heart beat a little faster than normal.

But with the encouragement of the friendly and enthusiastic Go Ape team, I took that first leap – quite literally – into the course.

Once suspended high up in the air, the initial few steps were shaky, both mentally and physically.

Climbing higher and stepping onto those wobbly platforms under a canopy of darkening trees was definitely a test of our nerves.

I struggled with the thought of gliding along the trees with only a carabiner and metal link keeping us from falling, but that fear was soon replaced with excitement once conquered.

Each obstacle we completed gave us a sense of confidence. The mix of fear and excitement was somewhat addictive.

(Image: Newsquest)

My friend Lidia, who visited with me, has always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so this experience was well suited for her. 

She said: “At first, the height of the courses did seem a bit daunting, but I think we both soon learned to embrace the fun of it.

“I’d never experienced a Go Ape session so this was a great first try, I now want to see what the difference is when doing the course in broad daylight.”

In conclusion, these sundown sessions added a whole new layer to the normal Go Ape experience.

Once you get over that initial fear, it’s an experience you’ll be so glad you didn’t miss.

The Sundown sessions are offered at Go Ape Moors Valley from October 19 to November 10.