High Low Ropes Course Consulting
Building, Inspections and maintenance of ropes course facilities
High Low Ropes Course Consulting
Building, Inspections and maintenance of ropes course facilities
Welcome to High Low
Building, Inspections and maintenance
of ropes course facilities
Years of Experience
Projects Completed
High-Low Ltd uses decades of experience to offer a fully comprehensive design and construction service.
High-Low Ropes Course Construction
When you choose High-Low, you’re choosing a team with decades of hands-on experience in designing, building, and operating ropes courses across the UK and internationally. Our constructions are built to last, blending safety, creativity, and operational know-how.
Our service includes:
Free site visit and tailored quotation – honest advice with no obligation.
Expert guidance drawn from years of actually running ropes courses, not just building them.
Robust construction techniques and premium materials that fully comply with current British and European Standards (EN 15567-1).
Comprehensive operational and safety documentation in line with EN 15567-2, including full engineer’s drawings.
Ongoing operational support and technical advice to keep your facility running smoothly.
Free follow-up safety inspection within the first 6 months of operation to ensure everything remains in top condition.
Independent inspection arranged if required, ensuring complete peace of mind and compliance.
With High-Low, you don’t just get a ropes course — you get a long-term partner committed to safety, performance, and participant experience.
Inspections
Our team of qualified and experienced inspectors help ensure the safe operation, integrity and longevity of your facility & associated equipment.
We are competent and qualified to conduct, any or all of your inspection requirements. High-Low provides the following inspections;
PPE Inspections (Personal Protective Equipment)
Currently under the requirements of EN 15567 – Part 2 and the European PPE Regulations all of the equipment used on your course needs to be checked on an annual basis by a qualified & competent person.
High-Low Ltd are fully qualified and competent PPE inspectors with many years of hands-on industry experience. Unlike companies that only inspect on paper, our team brings real-life operational knowledge from building and operating ropes courses and adventure facilities across the UK and internationally — we understand how equipment is actually used in the field, enabling us to identify issues early, provide clear recommendations, and keep your operations compliant, safe, and reliable.
Operational Inspection
An Operational Inspection is a more detailed inspection than a routine daily check and should normally be carried out every 1–3 months, or in line with the constructor’s/manufacturer’s recommendations. It must be undertaken by a suitably competent member of staff or by an independent inspector. High-Low can support you in establishing, delivering, and auditing these operational inspections to ensure full compliance and safety assurance.
The UK Ropes Course & Off-Ground Adventure Activities Guide (2021) states:
“An Operational Inspection should be as comprehensive and thorough as a Periodic Inspection – the difference being that the latter is carried out with a greater degree of independence. This requires inspectors to hold the same levels of competence and knowledge as they would for a Periodic Inspection. For example, they may need to determine the degree of decay in a timber pole and decide, in accordance with industry standards, whether it remains acceptable. Similarly, a thorough knowledge of wire rope discard criteria is essential when undertaking an Operational Inspection.”
Periodical / Annual Inspection
This inspection should be undertaken at least once per year, and additionally following any minor modifications, significant weather events (such as storm damage), or where there is any concern about the integrity of the course. It must be carried out by a qualified and competent inspector or accredited inspection body.
As a minimum, the inspection will include:
A full functionality test conducted at height.
A practical assessment of elements and activities to confirm they are fit for purpose.
Identification and evaluation of worn or damaged components, with recommendations for repair or replacement.
Verification that operational paperwork and safety documentation are current and in place.
Verification that PPE records and inspections are properly logged and up to date.
Confirmation that a tree safety examination has been carried out (where applicable).
Anchor Testing
Various types of anchor installation exist, including; eye-nuts, strops, tapes, slings, wire strops, eye bolts, lifelines and dead-weight anchors. Anchors are also used to support many other outdoor applications.
We test all of the ground belay anchors & climbing wall anchors to; EN15567, EN 12572 and EN795 when conducting anchor inspections
Wooden Pole Inspections
Treated wood poles are widely used throughout the ropes course & playground industries. All wood components used in the construction of these facilities have a limited life-span and are subject to degradation over a period of time.
The periodical pole inspection should be carried out Annually by an experienced and competent inspector. The main purpose of the pole inspection is to identify:
- The condition of your facilities poles and/or other wooden components
- Whether a pole is treatable or unserviceable
- Type of damage to poles e.g. shakes, mechanical shakes and even woodpeckers
- To forecast a treatment plan (if applicable
High-Low have replaced many rotten poles and damaged poles. Earlier detection by a fully separate wooden pole inspection could have saved operators £thousands!
Climbing Wall Inspections
During the inspection of your facility, we examine the following;
- Bolt-on hold placements
- Bolt-on holds
- Final protection points
- Intermediate protection points
- Wall surface integrity
- Sub structure
- Safety surface
Inspections also include looking at the condition of the surrounding areas and the walls compliance with EN 12572 & EN 795 standards. Following your inspection, we provide a full and detailed report about the condition of the wall
Playground Inspections
We provide ‘Operational’ playground inspections. The European Standard for Playground Safety, BS EN1176, states;
Such inspections should be carried out by an appropriately qualified and competent member of staff or alternatively by a suitably qualified specialist and should be recorded. These inspections should be carried out on a quarterly basis as a minimum.
Please contact us for more details.
Ropes Course Maintenance
High-Low provides a complete maintenance service to keep your ropes course safe, compliant, and performing at its best. With decades of hands-on construction and operational experience, we understand what works in the real world and how to extend the lifespan of your assets.
Examples of maintenance projects we have delivered include:
Full zip-line replacements and installation of new braking systems.
Pole replacements and steel “booting” to extend service life.
Wooden pole asset management programmes, including inspection and treatment.
Installation of additional zip-lines to enhance courses.
Climbing and abseil tower repairs and refurbishments.
Replacement of worn or damaged components.
Element replacement or upgrades to refresh participant experience.
Major re-wire projects for continuous belay and SMART belay systems.
Design and manufacture of bespoke parts for ropes courses and zip-lines.
Cost-effective asset management solutions for multiple sites.
Safe and efficient high ropes course deconstruction.
All materials, components, and techniques we use are guaranteed to meet the latest British and European standards (EN 15567), giving you confidence in safety, compliance, and quality.
High-Low Ltd pride ourselves on years of combined ‘operational’ and inspection experience to provide quality solutions to your maintenance issues.
Technical Advice / Consultancy
As one the most experienced companies at operating ropes courses in the industry, High-Low is able to offer you sound advice based on practical experience in all manner of YOUR ropes course operation / responsibilities for running a safe and successful course.
Our technical Advice service is suitable for all operators. If you are after one-off help or regular advice we can help you open, run and maintain a safe, successful and commercially viable ropes course!
If you have any questions please contact us
Site Specific Instructor training and assessment
We provide training for staff and managers in all aspects of High or Low ropes course operation. We have our own tried and tested syllabuses of training that are delivered by ERCA trainers, our training includes the following;
- High-Low Adventure park Training & Assessment
- High-Low High ropes course Training & Assessment
- High-Low Low ropes course Training & Assessment
- High-Low Rescuer Training & Assessment
- High-Low Zipwire Training & Assessment
- High-Low Fan Descender / Quick Jump Training & Assessment
- Team development, Psychometric and team profiling (Strength Deployment Inventory)
We understand the importance of site-specific training for your staff. This enables instructors, rescuers and managers to be truly competent and confident on YOUR specific ropes course facility & equipment.
The Team
Alistair Glendinning – Director, High-Low Ropes Course Consulting Ltd
I’m the Director of High-Low Ropes Course Consulting Ltd, where we design, build, inspect and train on ropes courses, ziplines, climbing walls and adventure structures. With over 23 years experience in the industry, I’ve worked with schools, councils, charities, the military and private operators across the UK and overseas.
Our work ranges from small remedial upgrades and inspections to full-scale new builds and large international projects. What sets High-Low apart is that we don’t just build and walk away—we bring real operational experience, robust safety knowledge, and tailored training that helps teams run their courses with confidence. Whatever the scale, I make sure every project is safe, compliant and built to last.
Sean Whitty – Senior Ropes Course Technician, High-Low Ropes Course Consulting Ltd
Sean has been part of High-Low Ropes Course Consulting Ltd for the past 7–8 years, bringing a wealth of technical and operational experience to the team. Before joining High-Low, he worked in several outdoor centres, gaining first-hand knowledge of how ropes courses and adventure facilities run day-to-day.
As Senior Ropes Course Technician, Sean specialises in the construction, inspection, and maintenance of ropes courses, ziplines, and adventure structures. His combined background in operations and technical delivery means he understands both how courses are built and how they’re used, making him an invaluable link between design, safety, and real-world usability.
Sean has worked on everything from small remedial jobs through to large-scale international projects. Known for his calm, methodical approach and attention to detail, he ensures every structure he works on is safe, compliant, and built to last.
Al Pearson – Senior Ropes Course Technician & Trainer, High-Low Ropes Course Consulting Ltd
Al has been with High-Low Ropes Course Consulting Ltd for several years and brings both strong technical and training expertise to the team. With a background in outdoor centres and operational delivery, he understands how ropes courses are used in practice as well as how they are built and maintained.
In addition to his work as a Senior Ropes Course Technician—covering construction, inspection, and remedial works—Al is also a qualified trainer. He delivers staff training in ropes course operations and rescue, drawing on his hands-on experience to give teams the confidence and skills they need. His qualifications as a first aid trainer add another layer of safety expertise, ensuring High-Low courses and training programmes are backed by robust emergency knowledge.
Al is particularly valued for his ability to coach and support others, whether that’s mentoring new instructors or guiding clients through technical training. His approachable style, combined with a depth of real-world experience, helps create safe, competent, and confident teams.
Harry Falconbridge – Ropes Course Technician
Harry has been with High-Low for over two years and is a key part of our technical team. He’s adaptable, capable, and always ready to get stuck in—whether it’s helping on a new build, carrying out inspections, or supporting remedial works.
With a practical mindset and a positive attitude, Harry brings energy and reliability to every project. His versatility means he can turn his hand to a wide range of tasks, making him an invaluable member of the crew on site.
Rory Ashcroft – Ropes Course Technician
Rory brings valuable operational experience to the High-Low team, having worked directly with ropes courses and adventure activities before moving into a technical role. This background means he understands not just how courses are built, but also how they run day to day.
Since joining High-Low, Rory has become a reliable and capable technician, supporting everything from new installations to inspections and remedial works. His practical experience and adaptable approach make him a great asset on site and a strong part of the team.
Sam Dyer – Ropes Course Technician
Sam joined High-Low as a Ropes Course Technician and brings with him a solid background in construction and building work. While new to the ropes course industry, his practical skills and hands-on experience have transferred seamlessly into the technical side of our projects.
He’s quick to learn and always ready to take on new challenges, whether supporting with installations, inspections, or remedial works. Sam’s building knowledge, combined with his can-do attitude, makes him a valuable member of the High-Low team.
Testimonials
Fantastic company, I had very professional service. Any quieres I had were sorted out very quickly. Would recommend to anyone.
Fantastic company, I had very professional service. Any quieres I had were sorted out very quickly. Would recommend to anyone. Thank you for all your help
Genuinely can’t think of or yet met a better group of lads to bring on board to ‘Get the job done’ professionally and to the greatest level of standard. I personally had the pleasure of meeting and taking care of Sean, Ali & Alan whilst they deconstructed and replaced our well seasoned high ropes course. They took the time to understand everything we were asking of and helped design the layout of our new current high ropes course that we required. Highly recommend High Low ropes course consulting for any of your demands and will be loyally coming back for more. Never above you Never below you Always beside you
Really good professional company.knowledgeable in all aspects.Would recommend highly.
Great team couldn’t thank them enough for there work some decent lads aswell
Really friendly staff, who are brilliant at what they do