Creating your own obstacle course in the countryside is an exciting and unique way to enjoy the outdoors while testing your physical and mental limits. Not only does this offer a great bonding experience for groups, but it also allows for a customised adventure in a natural setting.
Whether you’re looking to add a bit of challenge to your daily walks or want to create a fun event for friends, building an obstacle course using the terrain is an easy and cost-effective way to do so. Here’s how to plan and execute the perfect countryside obstacle course.
Walk the route with volunteers
Before designing your obstacle course, it’s important to walk the route with a group of volunteers. This will help you identify some natural obstacles, ensure the safety of the course, and figure out how best to incorporate each element. Having a few extra sets of eyes on the ground can help spot hazards you might miss.
Identifying natural obstacles
Look for features in the landscape that could double as obstacles. Here are some common examples:
- Fallen trees: These make great obstacles to climb over, crawl under, or balance on.
- Climbing fences and gates: Find sturdy fences or gates that participants can scale. Just ensure they’re not too high or unstable.
- Crawling in ditches or puddles: Small ditches or mud patches can be used to encourage participants to crawl or wade through. Ensure that the area isn’t too deep or hazardous.
- Shallow ponds: If you have access to shallow water, wading through it can add fun and challenge.
- Rocky paths or steep hills: These can be natural climbing or balancing challenges.
- Logs, boulders, or large stones: These can be used to climb, jump over, or weave around.
- Overgrown vegetation: Use thickets of nettles or tall grass to add an extra physical challenge while making sure it’s not too uncomfortable or unsafe.
During this walk, make notes about the obstacles you encounter and whether they’re appropriate for the type of course you want to create. Also, keep an eye out for any potential hazards like sharp rocks, unstable ground, or areas that could become dangerous in bad weather.
Safety check
Ensure the obstacles you plan to use are safe. Are there sharp edges on any rocks or wood? Is the ground stable enough to support weight? Can a participant get injured if they slip or fall? Walkers should be able to navigate these obstacles with relative ease, and any risks should be minimised. Always test each obstacle for safety before inviting others to participate.
Plan the logistics
Once you’ve identified your natural obstacles, it’s time to plan the course. Here are a few logistics to consider:
- Length of the course: How long do you want the obstacle course to be? For a fun walk, it can be a mile or less, but if you’re aiming for a longer activity, you might want to stretch the course over several miles.
- Course layout: Think about the flow of the course. How will the obstacles be spaced? Ideally, you want participants to move from one challenge to the next without feeling like they’re walking too far between them.
- Water and refreshments: If your course is going to be long or strenuous, ensure there are water stations along the way. For larger events, you might also want to consider providing snacks or other refreshments.
- Time limit: Will you time participants? If so, set a reasonable time frame for completing the course based on its difficulty level.
Pros and cons
Pros of creating your own course
- Cost-effective: Unlike booking an actual assault course, using natural elements in the countryside is virtually free (aside from potential transportation or access costs).
- Personalisation: You have complete control over the course layout, making it as easy or challenging as you like.
- Enjoying nature: Being outside in the countryside offers a beautiful setting, allowing participants to enjoy fresh air, wildlife, and the natural environment while being active.
Cons of creating your own course
- Safety and maintenance: You’re responsible for checking and maintaining the obstacles. Unlike a professionally run assault course, there is no expert supervision, and ensuring safety is your job.
- Time-consuming: Planning, preparing, and checking for safety can take a lot of time and effort.
- Weather-dependent: Outdoor courses are subject to the weather. Rain, mud, or extreme conditions can make obstacles more challenging and potentially hazardous.
Pros of booking an assault course
- Professional supervision: Assault courses are designed by experts, with safety measures in place. You won’t need to worry about maintaining or testing the course.
- Variety of obstacles: Assault courses typically feature professionally designed challenges that aren’t readily found in nature, offering a wider range of experiences.
- No hassle: Booking a course eliminates the need for planning, safety checks, and logistics.
Cons of booking an assault course
- Cost: Assault courses can be expensive, especially if you’re organising a group.
- Less flexibility: You are restricted to the set course layout and can’t modify or personalise it to your group’s preferences.
- Limited location options: You’ll need to travel to a designated assault course, which might be far from where you live.
Choosing the right location
When deciding where to create your obstacle course, you have a few options, each with its own set of pros and cons:
Public vs private land
- Public land: Public parks or countryside areas can be great options for obstacle courses. However, these spaces may have restrictions, and you could need to seek permission from local authorities. There is also a risk that the area might be busy with others, affecting your course’s privacy.
- Private land: If you have access to private land (such as a friend’s farm or property), this gives you more control over the space. However, you may need to ensure you have appropriate insurance, as accidents can happen. You’ll also need to secure permission from the landowner and ensure there are no regulations restricting the use of the land for such purposes.
Other locations to consider
- Hiring farmland: Farms often have diverse terrain, including ditches, fields, and woods, making them a perfect natural setting for obstacle courses. Ensure that the land is suitable for the activity and that the farmer is happy to rent it out.
- School grounds: Many schools have large outdoor spaces that could work well for an obstacle course. If you know someone at a school, you could ask about renting the grounds after school hours or during weekends.
- Public parks: If you don’t have private land, public parks might offer a great middle ground. These areas often have diverse landscapes and open spaces. Again, permission from the local council may be required.
Conclusion
Creating your own obstacle course in the countryside is a fun, free-spirited way to get outdoors and challenge yourself. With a bit of planning, safety checks, and a clear understanding of logistics, you can design an adventure tailored to your needs.
Whether using natural elements like fallen trees and ditches or accessing farmland and parks, the countryside offers a wealth of options. However, be mindful of safety concerns and the logistics of finding the right location.
If you’re looking for variety and ease, booking a professional assault course might be the way to go, but creating your own can offer a more personalised and adventurous experience.