Rural pursuits

Try your hand at clay-pigeon shooting, riding, fishing or a bit of falconry on a rural weekend away

CLAY-PIGEON SHOOTING

The Feversham Arms in Helmsley on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors offers a number of country pursuits, including clay-pigeon shooting, 4x4 driving and archery. Afterwards, relax in the spa, with an outdoor heated pool, and there’s an award-winning three AA Rosette restaurant, too. Two nights’ B&B costs from £150 per person. Clay-pigeon shooting costs from £69 per person, and a one-hour introductory 4x4 driving session costs from £219 per driver (£29 extra to take a guest in the car).

Pride of Britain Hotels: 0800-089 3929, www.prideofbritainhotels.com

FALCONRY IN WALES

Ty Mawr Mansion, an eight-bedroom Georgian property at Cilcennin, Aberaeron in mid-Wales, offers falconry days in its extensive grounds. The activity includes tea/ coffee in the morning and a thorough brie’fing before handling and “ flying the birds. Falconry days cost from £199 per person, including breakfast, lunch, overnight stay and a full day of falconry.

Welsh Rarebit: 01570-470033, www.rarebits.co.uk
Travel-Jul12-03-590Falconry at Ty Mawr Mansion

WALKING ON DARTMOOR

The Ilsington Country House Hotel, near Haytor, has a four-night Dartmoor Explorer mini-break available until 30 September, from £372 per person; the price includes accommodation, breakfast, a three-course dinner each night and a copy of Short Walks On Dartmoor. The hotel, which has a two AA Rosette restaurant and leisure complex with an indoor pool, is just 10 minutes’ drive from Bovey Tracey, gateway to Dartmoor. Activities range from walking to cycling, horse riding and canoeing.

01364-661452, www.ilsington.co.uk

FISHING IN SCOTLAND

Spend the day ’ shing on one of Scotland’s top salmon rivers while staying at Ballathie House, near Perth. The turreted baronial mansion – now a four-star hotel – is set within a 3,000- acre farm estate on the banks of the River Tay. An overnight stay with dinner and breakfast, and a day with a ghillie, boat and rod on the river, costs from £179 per person. The day’s catch can be prepared and served for dinner that night by the hotel’s chef. The privately owned hotel has a two AA Rosette restaurant specialising in fi ne seasonal Scottish produce.

Fine Individual Hotels: 01250- 883268, www.…hotels.com

Travel-Jul12-02-590The Feversham Arms

RIDING IN BRECON

Finally, why not round up a group of friends for your own private country-house party at Felin Newydd? This charming, exclusive-use house is set in gardens and parkland near Brecon in Wales, and can accommodate up to 18 people. A number of country activities can be arranged for you, including full and half-day riding, from £35 per person, cycling and kayaking. The house costs from £2,900 (£161 per person) for a two-night weekend; everything from chefs and chauffeurs to butlers can be included, according to your wishes and budget.

01874-754216, www.countrypad.co.uk

Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk