I never envisioned myself enjoying throwing axes at giant wooden target boards, but as I sent the hefty item whizzing through the air, I was exhilarated.
Tension left my body, I forgot about some of the stresses weighing on my mind, and all I wanted was to smack that bullseye with the glinting blade of the axe.
Axe-throwing centres have risen in popularity in recent years, especially with stag dos and hen parties, though it's not something I'd ever thought to try. I've never been into activities like paintballing, axe-throwing, or other potential sources of pain.
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I'm a bookworm, a cinema fanatic, and a prolific shopper. I do partake in exercise classes, but only because I want to maintain a level of fitness and decent standard of health, rather than the thrill of the class. I got my black belt in karate as a teenager, but this was due to my obsession with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, rather than a desire to be skilled in martial arts - though it did come in handy when fending off a mugger.
All this is to say, when I was invited to try Timberjacks in Fazakerley, it wasn't something I anticipated finding fun, or wanting to do again. I was wrong.
Timberjacks is based on Long Lane and quite off the beaten path. It's surrounded by industrial buildings, so it doesn't seem like somewhere you'd just happen upon. Housed in a vast warehouse, my immediate thought upon arrival was just how cold it was.
There's multiple stations, or 'lanes', set up so it can certainly pack the site to the rafters, and there's hay bales topped with checked flannel blankets dotted about to provide seating. There was glam rock music blasting, setting the tone for a fun and energetic experience.
It was quiet when we arrived one dreary Thursday afternoon, but manager Daniel Armstrong, from Liverpool, said there was quite a few bookings for later that afternoon, so it would soon fill up with people.
Like many businesses, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic lingers on. Daniel, 38, said: "When we first opened, we were really busy. We're getting a lot busier now all the restrictions are gone again. We've got Groupon offers, Wowcher as well, which has really helped us."
He was on hand to give us a demonstration on how it all works, running through the way to tally up points and various methods of throwing. After guiding us on the proper stance and best way to hold the axe for maximum success potential, we were trusted to actually throw them.
The first few throws were quite frustrating, as it took a while to get the swing of it (pun absolutely intended). The axe often bounces off the board if you don't hit it at quite the right angle, while sometimes I missed the board entirely.
After some huffing and puffing, and worries I'd never hit the board, I threw the axe and it went sailing through the air and landed right on target, with the most satisfying thud. I genuinely squealed and jumped with excitement.
A few more throws in, I managed to hit the bullseye - twice. I jumped and whooped and did all manner of thoroughly un-cool things to celebrate the very cool accomplishment. After a busy and stressful week, it was exactly what I needed.
There's other elements that can be added to the experience too, with apples descended from twine to give visitors a much smaller and less tangible target to aim for. There's the option to try and drench a teammate by having them sit below a bucket of water, held up by rope which then becomes the target. If you manage to hit the rope just right, the bucket will spill.
Despite warming up significantly in the process of throwing the axes, getting soaked by a bucket of cold water wasn't on my to-do list, but if you've not got plans afterwards - or you're confident your friends wouldn't be able to hit the rope - then it could be a hilarious addition to the experience.
Timberjacks offers so much more than just axe-throwing. It's a genuinely fun place to be, with drinks to enjoy, quirky seating to relax on, and plenty of unique targets to vent all your frustrations out on. I will say, the toilet is a little grim - it's so cold it feels a little damp - but other than that, I only have positive things to say after my experience.
I left feeling giddy, stress-free and strong - what more could you want? I'd really recommend giving axe throwing a try - you might just surprise yourself. I know I did.
Timberjacks can be found at Dairy Business Park, Long Lane, Unit 3 Hanson Road, Fazakerley, Liverpool, L9 7BP. To make a booking, click here.
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