Action Man

THE CIRCUMSTANCES surrounding this trip to the Isle of Man - my first ever - were slightly strange. With a few spare days in a week off, I was busy planning a trip there myself.

But before I'd finished my planning, the Evening Press travel editor spookily offered me an adventure weekend on the island.

With a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from, I realised it would be a very different weekend to the one I would have organised.

Not normally the most active bloke, my own trip would have taken in as many of the island's pubs as possible as well as the odd tourist attraction.

But instead I was off to cram more activity into three days than I have managed in the last three years.

Our first stop was at the incredibly well preserved Castle Rushten, in pretty Castletown.

Castle staff have made the effort to bring the building's history to life, by using dummies, props and storytellers to let the visitor know about the history in a lively way - a welcome change from relying on rows of information boards.

The visit, however, was merely the calm before the storm that was quad biking.

Many farmers on the Isle of Man have diversified into other industries in order to survive.

Doreen Kermeen and her husband have diversified more than most.

Doreen runs the quad biking business, while her farm also includes a beauty salon and hairdressers.

After a brief lesson, we were flying across the Manx hills, with Doreen - who looks about 60 but could be any age at all - flying through the mud and muck.

The hair-raising course was perfect for me. Having been told by an advanced driving examiner my driving "wasn't fit for the public highways," being let loose somewhere I can't damage people or vehicles was a buzz and a half.

A superb afternoon out and one that I'd definitely recommend.

After a quick stop at our luxury accommodation - the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club - it was off to Manx capital Douglas for dinner at French food specialists L'Experience.

After a fantastic meal, served in a restaurant with bags of character, out came owner and chef Tony Quirk to entertain his diners.

A skilled magician and member of the magic circle, Tony is a long way from your cheesy party magician, and knows some top tricks.

Waking up next day I didn't feel in the best of shape for my golf lesson.

A game I've only ever played the 'crazy' form of, I was expecting to thrash wildly around with the club a few times and not actually make contact with the ball.

This is mainly down to a strange Edwards family affliction that means we have no hand/eye co-ordination whatsoever.

Instead - and thanks to a teacher who was so laid back he would have reacted calmly if I'd caught him in the nether regions with the golf club - I hit a few beauties down the driving range.

I can see how golfers get addicted and may well play again.

Hangover gone, we headed to the small fishing port of Peel for a trip to the House of Manannan, an award winning £6m heritage centre detailing Manx history.

Though superbly kitted out, using moving models, short films and touch screen technology to tell the tale, the centre just didn't grab my attention as I hoped it would.

Still, that shouldn't put you off. If you want to know about Manx history this is the place, and if you're trying to entertain a family on a rainy day it could be a godsend.

Next was a trip to the Ballahimmin Riding School for an afternoon's pony trekking.

My steed for the day was the huge but placid Juno, who could have walked the route blindfold. The trek was a bit monotonous at times - I wanted to go faster - but it was relaxing, enjoyable and worth the sore backside.

Another late night followed, taking in Douglas pub/club Strand 58.

Superclub this isn't, but if you want a laugh and late beers, this is the place.

After not many hours sleep came the time to get up for the activity I'd been looking forward to most - power boating.

Fighting off the combined effects of the night before and the early start, we made our way to the beautiful north of the island and the Maughold Venture Centre.

When attending outward bound weekends while at school, we always seemed to be in the hands of instructors whose attitudes and methods were slightly to the right of Adolf Hitler.

The instructors here were more like members of the peace movement. Friendly and excitable, they bravely handed over their valuable power boats to three total beginners - and actually seemed to be enjoying themselves.

For me, this was by far the best activity. Terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, I loved every second.

Next we were off to Ballagick, near Santon, to go clay-pigeon shooting. I expected the Edwards family hand/eye affliction to strike this time, but it affected me even less than when I was golfing.

In fact, after a few practice shots I managed to hit nearly every 'pigeon' fired out of the traps. I'm going to have to go again to see if I really am a natural, or, as is more likely, it was a total fluke.

From there it was a mad dash to the airport and back to a slightly less hectic pace of life.

What a weekend. If you want to chill for a few days, the Isle of Man is your place. But if you're into active, then you're in business.

Fact file:

Two-night packages to the Isle of Man, including return flights from Manchester and staying at the 4-star Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club start from £234.

The activities are individually priced. Advance booking is recommended during peak season, though most owners said "just turn up and try your luck."

For details ring Isle of Man Tourist Information on 08457 686868.