ACTION PACKED ADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD TO END YOUR SUMMER WITH A BANG

With the scent of summer-end thick in the air (if you’re in the United KIngdom anyway, on track for the wettest August on record) the start of the Indian summer heralds prime adventure time. With kids back in school, cooler temperatures for the outdoors, and the golden hue of September sun casting it’s spell, check out the Mad To Live Guide to adventures around the world to end your summer with a bang.

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 

Via Ferrata -Honister, Lake District UK

Did you know the UK boasts it’s own awe-inspiring Via Ferrata, deep in the heart of the Lake District? Most likely not! With two routes of differing difficulty, following the original Miners route to the top of the Mountain, Via Ferrata Classic is not as challenging or demanding as the Via Ferrata Xtreme. Via Ferrata Xtreme was introduced at Honister in 2012 to bring a much more challenging Via Ferrata experience, with edge exposure, vertical climbs, cliff edge ladders, plus a Burma Bridge & Cargo Net crossing.

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. . slocal.com 

Rhine Falls, Switzerland

Waterfalls - The Rhine Falls, Swizerland

Check out Europe’s biggest waterfalls, vastly impressive and fearsome all at once.

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. 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

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. I. 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