ESCAPING the office to experience the great outdoors six metres from the ground, and zipping from tree to tree via swinging logs and rope bridges, was both thrilling and frightening.

The challenge is not one for the faint hearted, with the Aerial Extreme course at Camp Hill, Kirklington, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, a maze of steep climbs and vertical drops, high platforms and wobbly beams.

Nor is it a feat for the unfit, with swinging ropes and thin bridges between trees forcing you to use muscles you did not even know existed.

It was not exactly Tarzan-style, but I was thankful for the safety wire that was attached at all times in case my more meagre muscles failed me - and fortunately for everyone else I was wearing considerable more than an animal-print loincloth.

When I arrived at Aerial Extreme I was introduced to my instructor Julian Didelot, who fitted me into my rather fetching harness and safety helmet and helped me get to grips with the equipment.

Then I was faced with the challenge of completing the gruelling one-hour course.

As I climbed up the first tree to the platform I looked down at Julian and noticed he was getting smaller and smaller. I then looked across to the lightweight ropes that were expected to take me to my destination and wondered whether I was doing the right thing.

But as I shuffled along the first obstacle and arrived safely at the second tree the feeling of achievement, though small, gave me a rush of adrenalin that took me the entire distance.

The most enjoyable part had to be crossing between two trees hand-in-hand with leading mountaineer Alan Hinkes, who also rose to the Aerial Extreme challenge to mark its official launch.

The scariest -- and least graceful - was falling through the air attached only to a wire above my head before crashing into a scramble net.

Once my feet were back on the ground that child-like tendency to want to do it all again surged through me and I was envious of those still up in the trees.

The course is similar to those seen on Army training fields or theme parks, although more complex and extreme, said designer Johann Fourie, who has come to the UK from South Africa to create it.

"It is unique in the region and designed to challenge people of all ages. It has taken two months of hard work to build within the trees, but will provide years of enjoyment," he said.

Robert Ropner, who owns the Camp Hill site, with its array of assault courses and adventure activities, hopes Aerial Extreme will be well used.

He said: "We hope to see families, corporate groups, thrill seekers and even hen and stag dos using it - it is an amazing experience."

I was told that a man of 75 had completed the course - so for anyone thinking of heading to the pub instead of having a head for heights I'd advise you to give it a go.

For booking and information contact Aerial Extreme on (01845) 567788.