Last Minute Summer Adventures - 10 Of The Best

As the British summer starts to wind to its muggy close here are a few ‘adventure’ ideas before your winter wardrobe comes out for good!
Whether it be by land or sky, discover 10 of the best action-packed experiences around the world:

In the Air
Seaplane Adventure - Setouchi Region, Japan
Get incredible bird’s-eye views of the Seto Inland Sea and enjoy sights of small and large ancient ruins, historic buildings and beaches. Take off from the water into the sky in a Kodiak 100 offering a stable flight even at low speeds with Setouchi Seaplanes. The plane interiors include leather seats and carpeted floors creating a comfortable environment. Take a Setouchi Discovery Flight focusing on Onomichi Channel and the Geiyo Islands or a Tomonoura or Fukuyama Historical Exploration Flight to discover the history and culture of Seto. Chartered flights can be arranged, offering visitors the chance to explore undiscovered routes with customised sightseeing tours. setouchitrip.com

Hang gliding - Tri-Valley, California
Fly like a bird on your very own aerial adventure in California’s Tri-Valley, which is blessed with strong winds and verdant hills and mountains that make it perfect for hang gliding. East Bay Hang Gliding offers lessons for first timers guaranteeing heights of up to 60ft within four hours. For those who want to reach soaring heights, a tandem flight with a certified professional is the best way to do it. Enjoy sweeping views of the rolling hills and glimmering water of the East Bay. Prices from $180. visittrivalley.com

Helicopter tour - Portland, Oregon
Soar above the Pacific Northwest’s creative capital on an Oregon Helicopter tour. Taking off from a rooftop in downtown Portland, the tour offers cityscape views before flying right over the Willamette River. Sweep over the Big Pink, Providence Park, the International Rose Test Garden, the Oregon Convention Center and all of Portland’s storied bridges. For sweeping views of the Oregon Coast, Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River Gorge, as well as wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, Konect Aviation’s scenic tours of Portland are a must. travelportland.com

Zip-lining – SLO CAL, California
Margarita Adventures offers a unique perspective on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, whilst hanging from a series of six zip lines spanning a total of 7,500 feet. Riders soar over majestic canopies of native blue and white oaks, travel through natural wooded archways and finish with panoramic vineyard views. Each tour lasts roughly two hours. Upgrade options include the Zip ‘n Sip VIP Package, which offers a guided tour of the Ancient Peaks Winery. Standard tours available from $79 per person. slocal.com

Skydive - Yosemite Mariposa County, California
Take to the skies and witness the splendour of Yosemite National Park from above with Skydive Yosemite, the only skydive centre with access to America’s favourite park. Feel the rush as you descend from dizzying heights – up to 14,000 feet. For those who would rather stick to the inside of a plane than jump out, Skydive Yosemite offers aerial tours of the same stunning sights. Ziplining is also on offer, with Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch leading six different courses and roping lessons. yosemite.com

Paragliding in San Diego, California
One of the wildest stretches of land in southern California, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a playground for lovers of the outdoors, offering hiking trails, picnic spots and scenic viewpoints. Those feeling adventurous can experience a bird’s-eye view of the park and adjacent Pacific Ocean with the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which takes visitors paragliding high into the sky. Visitors can take a leisurely flight or earn their pilot’s license with lessons by a certified instructor. sandiego.org

ON LAND
Canyon Diving - British Columbia, Canada
Led by a professional mountain guide, thrill-seekers can explore the incredible Zillmer Glacier – a place only accessible by helicopter – by ascending the mountain through a winding canyon, hiking alongside the torrent waters of the ancient glacier and traversing zip-lines and wire bridges. Insider tip: travellers who have the Ikon Pass receive 10% off CMH heli-access hiking trips. cmhheli.com/summer/cariboos / ikonpass.com.

Mountain Biking - Mammoth Lakes, California
With some of the most radical terrain in the US and 80+ miles of single-track offering plenty of jumps and drops to feast on, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is the biggest, baddest and best bike park in the US. The Discovery Zone is the best place to learn and is specially designed to help beginners master the sport’s fundamental techniques such as braking, cornering and body positioning. The rugged terrain of the Eastern Sierra combined with natural and man-made features – like step-ups, wall rides and pavers – delivers the ultimate high-alpine riding experience. Numerous backcountry trails provide ample opportunity to explore the forests on two wheels. visitmammoth.com

Horseback riding - San Juan Mountains, Colorado
There’s no better place to channel your inner cowboy and try horseback riding than in the Wild West state of Colorado. The San Juan Mountains arguably offer some its most scenic spots and are home to a number of trails that offer spectacular scenery. Custom and group rides are available on well-trained horses familiar with the mountain’s terrain. colorado.com

Hike Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroshima has an abundance of stunning landscapes and natural features to explore. Hike along well-trodden trails through beautiful mountains and gorges. Climb Mount Fudekage for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, Mount Hiba for a views of its celebrated beech trees or Mount Misen on Miyajima Island for panoramic sights of the island and Hiroshima across the waters. Home to a number of unique gorges, trekking around Taishakukyo Gore and Sandankyo Gorgie must not be missed. visithiroshima.net