Bear Grylls is a famous British adventurer who is well known for his daring and often highly dangerous escapades.
His survival mantra is “if it can keep you alive, eat it” and he has eaten deer droppings, yak’s eyeballs, goat testicles and giant larva worms.
But it is less well known that his big “fear” is….Brussels sprouts.
He said, “I hate Brussels sprouts, those are my worst. My mum used to stew them, ugh, I’d take a scorpion any day over Brussels sprouts.”
His aversion to the famous Belgian dish and staple of any Christmas dinner aside, Grylls has become known worldwide as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure.
Trained from a young age in martial arts, Grylls went on to spend three years as a soldier in the elite British Special Forces. It was here that he perfected many of the survival skills that his fans all over the world enjoy.
Today, you can get a flavour of those skills and what it takes to, well, be Bear Grylls, at the “Bear Grylls Adventure”.
This sprawling complex, located just outside Birmingham in the UK, brings together eleven “epic” experiences, all of which offer their own challenges and encourage guests to push their limits and “achieve the remarkable.”
These range from indoor climbing walls, an archery range to an iFLY wind tunnel and escape rooms.
The site also boasts Europe’s tallest high ropes to a Royal Marines-inspired assault course.
The attraction boasts an array of activities to challenge adventurers of all ages, abilities and experience levels.
A company spokesman said, “No matter which activity you choose, the adventure guides aim to inspire, encourage and support participants so they can push their limits and reach new achievements.”
One of the activities is axe throwing which gives you the chance to unleash your inner lumberjack. After a briefing from an on-site expert, the aim is to test your aim and strength alike.
Shooting is also popular and, again, an expert instructor will teach you how to handle the range’s air rifles, before you let fly for your go at shooting yourself.
The key is to focus on the target ahead, keep your cool as you blast your way through a series of targets.
Another activity is archery where you’ll head out onto the range to take on the targets. Once you’ve tested your aim, you can then test your competitive side with some games and extra challenges.
After all that, why not also try the high ropes? At 65ft tall, this is the tallest high ropes course in Europe, and rewards those brave enough to reach the top with stunning views of the surrounding area.
This place is great for young and old alike but be warned that some restrictions on the activities do apply and it is advisable to check these on the main website where advice is also given on what to wear.
People are advised to arrive 30 minutes before their first activity and the main car park can be found at car park East 5 at the National Exhibition Centre which is located just off the M42 motorway, near Birmingham.
Grylls has another link to a tradition that is still hugely popular in Belgium – the Scouting movement.
In 2009, he was appointed, aged just 35, the youngest-ever Chief Scout of the UK and Overseas Territories, a post he has held for a second term since 2015.
He said he is “very proud and humbled” to also be a Chief Ambassador of World Scouting and “continue to promote the great work Scouting is doing across the globe.”
“Scouting is a worldwide force for good that unites young people with positive values and an adventurous spirit. We aim to make a difference in our communities, help young people learn new skills, and be kind to all people.”
His motto in life is “never give up” and that’s something everyone taking part in his “Bear Grylls Adventure” is also urged to do.
Further info: www.beargryllsadventure.com
