IF you're scared of heights, leaping out of 40ft trees and flying down zip slides may not be your idea of fun.

But some people have conquered their fear by taking part in Go Ape, a high-wire forest adventure with sites all over the country.

Despite her initial fear of heights, Louise Latham, who lives near Kenton, has taken part in the course four times — once in the Lake District and three times at Haldon Forest, near Exeter.

The 32-year-old gardener and housekeeper was introduced to Go Ape by her sister, Jo, who paid for her to go on the course for her birthday.

So, joined by her partner, Ryan Wilson, Louise braved the course and, to her surprise, enjoyed it.

She said: "It was really good fun. It's beautiful being up there on the zip wire — the scenery is completely different — and it is good being out and about in the trees."

Go Ape was founded by husband and wife team Tristram and Rebecca Mayhew in 2002, when the couple discovered a treetop adventure course in the Auvergne National Forest in France. Children over the age of 10 can take part and Louise has also taken part with her daughter, Mia, 11.

"She absolutely loved it," said Louise. "It's good for families and for business and corporate days and team building as well. All of the instructors are really friendly and helpful and everything is really safe. Everything is explained to you as well."

Those taking part are harnessed to safety lines before they get the chance to leap off a tree platform on a Tarzan swing.

Five sections make up the course, at the end of which is a zip slide to ground level.

Ryan, 35, a business analyst, said: "The first time it was pretty nerve-racking, but by the second or third time, you are more comfortable with it.

"It's great fun. If you don't like heights it's a good way of challenging yourself. You soon realise that it's not that bad when you are up there. It's good for building confidence.

"You get to see quite a lot. It's great — you can see right across the valley."

Louise's brother-in-law, Rick Gibson, has also tried the Haldon course. The 41-year-old landscaper, who lives just outside Dawlish, said: "I had seen Go Ape courses all over the country and thought that as there was one at Haldon, I would give it a go.

"I have always been challenged by heights — I have never been quite sure whether I like them or not."

But that did not prove to be a problem when he tried Go Ape. "It was brilliant," said Rick. "It was everything I expected it to be and more. It was quite a windy day when we went up, so it added to the effect. I loved it.

"I didn't have any problems at all. It's fun and you can do it as a group. It's exhilarating as well. To get a different view over the surrounding fields is brilliant.

"Everybody should give it a try. They show you how everything works first and if you aren't happy, you have a chance to pull out."

Details: 0845 6432034.