10 Best...Active Weekends

From cold water bathing to yoga and cliff-hiking, there are many ways to set your pulse racing on a short break by the sea this autumn.

- Alex Reece

FOR... COASTEERING

1 Preseli Venture, Haverford west, Pembroke shire

‘Autumn is a great time to visit Pembroke shire as our National Park coastline is brim-full of Atlantic grey seals and amazing sea birds,’ says Alec Denny of Preseli Venture. And on a thrilling two-night coasteering weekend, you will be nose-to-nose with the marine wildlife, as you scramble through rock arches and swim into sea caves along the shore. During the two coasteering sessions, participants are kept cosy in winter wetsuits, hats and gloves. You’ll stay at the activity centre’s Eco Lodge complete with resident chef, licensed bar and views down to the sea at Abermawr. There is also time for an uplifting hike along the coastal path before you head home. A Wicked Liquid Coasteering Weekend costs £229 (01348 837709, preseliventure.co.uk).

FOR... SAND YACHTING

2 Wild Diamond Water sports, Tiree, Inner Hebrides

According to Willy MacLean of Wild Diamond, sand yachting is a wind sport you can pick up quickly – and is instantly addictive, as being so close to the ground gives a fantastic feeling of speed. ‘People love racing their family and throwing sand-spraying turns on the beaches of Tiree,’ he says. Wild Diamond also runs a campsite on the island, complete with glamping pods, and pitches for tents or camper vans. To get to Tiree, take the ferry from Oban. Sand yachting from £30 per kart per hour. Pod for 1-3 nights, £30 (01879 220399, wilddiamond.co.uk).

FOR... COASTAL WALKING

3 Away A Wee Walk, Causeway Coast Way, Co. Antrim