Editorial:

Cure your fear of heights and experience the daredevil’s playground at The Ultimate High
If ever someone deserved a nomination for local entrepreneur of the year or indeed for promoting tourism in Torridge, then it could be for no one more so than 28 year old Russell Johns. For Russell is the brain behind the largest free standing high ropes course in the U.K. open to all ages and abilities called The Ultimate High.

After two years of planning, designing and assembling the ropes course on land near The Big Sheep, The Ultimate High opened its doors to the public in August 2007.

Its instant success with local and visiting customers has led to the additions of a climbing wall, a leap of faith and other team challenges around the site during the first year. The course has exceeded all expectations in its first year and has been popular with all user groups.

“We constantly strive to add new activities to excite repeat visitors,” says Russell, who is providing activities for an ever growing client base which “has been challenging and rewarding … and hard work at the same time!”

The oldest participant has been 72 and the youngest has been 5 years of age. The Ultimate High’s activities are suitable for all, from families to schools, from youth clubs to corporate and military groups, and with popular for hen parties and stag nights! And particularly for those who are mentally and/or physically impaired because it offers safe, fun activities that have been designed to be challenging but achievable, with the common goal of education underlining all activities.

The Ultimate High is fully approved by AALA and Devon County Council to provide activities to young people under 18. Whilst I was waiting to interview Russell I watched a young girl bravely complete the course on a windy day. I wondered how she was going to do it or even get down but amazingly she did. Afterwards 15 year old Courtney exclaimed it was “nerve-wracking” but that she’d go on it again. Her mother, Dorothy, called it “wicked” and lost her nerve after ten minutes but agreed she would attempt it again if it wasn’t so windy. However to many visitors the wind adds to the excitement.

Russell, who grew up in Torrington, has always had a passion for the outdoors which has lead to travelling and educational trips abroad. He is also a qualified primary school teacher. Several years ago he combined his outdoor education skills with mainstream teaching experience to set up Outdoor Education Training (OET). From the success of presenting OET activities and packages ranging from Coasteering/climbing/caving to sensory woodland experiences to schools, corporate groups, military and general public during the past 3 years this gave Russell the vision that lead to The Ultimate High.

Bill Pratt, Headmaster, St Michael’s School, Tawstock, exclaimed it was “Terrific fun and a
big challenge. Excellent support from instructors, very encouraging. A most enjoyable
afternoon. Thank you.”

Tina Ley, CASP/YISP, Youth Intervention Team Barnstaple said, “Thoroughly enjoyable activities for young people of all ages and abilities. The centre encourages team work which is key in developing social skills. The young people are raring to come back. We recommend a visit to all
Youth groups in the area.”

The Ultimate High near The Big Sheep, Abbotsham, Bideford. EX39 5AP
Tel. 07779 639793 or Email: info@outdooredtraining.co.uk
Website: www.theultimatehigh.com

No booking required for groups of 6 or less. Group and family discounts .The course is available for exclusive group bookings of 12 or more.
Angela Shenton - The Link Publications - 01237 425266