20 h. ago ‘On a peak under a blue sky’: the joy of summer in Europe’s mountains

Our writer recalls his favourite mountain experiences, from hard-won views to splendid isolation and the comforts of simple refugesAfter a tough scramble to the summit of Rhinog Fach, we look down into the deep valley holding the chilly waters of Llyn Hywel, then west across several miles of heather, bilberry and bare rock to the Welsh coast. Turning my gaze north, there is the entire Llyn peninsula leading east to the peak of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), no doubt weighed down by thousands of visitors. Up here there are just two of us in an utterly peaceful landscape. No clouds on the horizon. No surprises.I lie down for a few minutes and feel myself drift off. There are no human voices to be heard, only birds. Summer has come early to these mountains and I wouldn’t be anywhere else, drinking in that particular kind of tranquillity to be found on a peak under a blue sky. Continue reading...

Politics

44 h. ago ‘Framed by jagged peaks, it felt like stepping into a dream’: readers’ favourite mountain trips in Europe

From the Alpujarras to the Dolomites, our tipsters hike, camp and devour hearty mountain food in some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery• Send us a tip on European wilderness – the best wins a £200 holiday voucherAfter a gruelling journey from the UK, arriving at Alpe di Siusi during golden hour felt like stepping into a dream. Farmers turned hay in some of Europe’s highest alpine meadows, framed by jagged Dolomite peaks glowing in soft evening light. We can recommend staying at the Hotel Schmung, a family-run gem with delicious northern Italian food and direct access to scenic hikes. Rifugios provide great lunch stops along the trails. The peaceful setting, breathtaking views and freedom to explore on foot without needing a car make this a perfect base for the Dolomites.Louise Continue reading...

Politics

62 h. ago EU rights court says Italy not responsible for Libyan coast guard actions over migrant boat sinking

Judges at the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Italy could not be held liable for the actions of the Libyan Coast Guard, rejecting a case brought by a group of migrants rescued from the Mediterranean Sea in a fatal boat sinking in 2017

Events

3 d. ago Brits are ditching traditional Europe holiday hotspots for three 'perfect choice' destinations

The swap might be down to prices being lower in the African spots

Politics

7 d. ago Should you take your dog on holiday? We went on a European road trip with our border terrier to find out

Dogs have a sense of adventure, don’t they? We thought Missy would enjoy exploring France and Spain. She had other ideasPlus tips on travelling with dogsWhen, two years ago now, our dog sitters cancelled on us just 24 hours before we were due to go on our summer holiday, we felt more than a little put out. Aware that we couldn’t leave Missy, our border terrier, home alone with a tin opener, we sent out frantic texts and made urgent phone calls before at last finding someone, a friend of a friend of, I think, another friend, and simply hoped for the best. What else were we to do? The flights were non-refundable.It all turned out fine, but it was not an experience we were keen to repeat. And so, the following year, we took Missy with us. Dogs are portable, after all, and have a nose for adventure. Also, this was to be an extended holiday, away for a full month – working part time in order to fund it – and we couldn’t be apart from her for that long. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Europe confronts Trump’s triple threat on Ukraine, Nato and trade

Officials fear that the US president will play the big issues off against each other over five weeks of wide-ranging talks

Politics

2 w. ago Irvine Welsh documentary to close Edinburgh International Film Festival

Reality Is Not Enough is said to be a thrilling and revealing exploration of Trainspotting author Welsh.

Culture

2 w. ago ‘Beautiful locations to learn in’: readers’ favourite creative breaks

Photography, writing, painting and music learning holidays have all ignited our readers’ creative spark, at retreats from Snowdonia to Sicily• Tell us about your favourite mountain trip – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherWider Horizons is an outdoor gathering in Berkshire dedicated to reigniting young attendees’ (18 to 30 years old) creative spark through workshops, music, ceremony and movement. On the glorious July afternoon I arrived, oak trees cast elongated shadows on the soft earth, a gentle breeze stirred the tall grass, and I found myself surrounded by a group of eccentric, vivacious young adults. A key element of the weekend is transformation: Wild Woman circles channelled sacred rage into empowerment, Forest Play turned ennui into childlike wonder, and poetry workshops used the surrounding woodlands as inspiration. My phone lay untouched, my mind grew quiet, and from that place of silence, the words poured out of me like rainfall. This year’s event is from 22-28 July...

Politics

2 w. ago Ruben Amorim's secret Monaco trip for Man Utd showdown talks after Europa League loss

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was forced to defend himself in discussions with the club's top brass after flying to Monaco in the wake of the Europa League final defeat

Politics

2 w. ago Why the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela is worthy of a food pilgrimage

The Galician capital may be best known for a certain walking trail, but it’s the soulful, delectable seafood that makes this a destination to race towards, discovers Emma Henderson as she’s taken on a tour through the city by acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro

Politics

3 w. ago £69 day trip to Ibiza or Rome? Wowcher’s mystery holiday is wild

A mystery holiday with no hotel, no planning – just pure day-long adventure in Europe’s most exciting cities and beach resorts.

Economics

3 w. ago Man United injury latest as three players set to miss Europa League final amid triple boost

Manchester United injury news as Ruben Amorim confirms the return of three first-team players for the Europa League final

Sport

3 w. ago Three European beaches you can get to from Manchester Airport with return flights for less than £100

Get your passports ready because these three European destinations are calling your name

Society

3 w. ago Man Utd confirm squad for Europa League final vs Spurs after surprise triple injury boost

Manchester United have included Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee in their squad for the Europa League final despite both men being injury concerns ahead of the clash with Tottenham

Sport

3 w. ago Man Utd handed huge triple injury boost on eve of Europa League Final vs Spurs

Manchester United take on Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, with Ruben Amorim needing all the help he can get amid a dreadful reign at the Red Devils

Sport

3 w. ago Manchester United handed triple boost as Joshua Zirkzee makes shock return ahead of Europa League final

Zirkzee was expected to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury

Sport

3 w. ago Man United given massive triple injury boost for Europa League final vs Tottenham including shock return

Manchester United trained at Carrington on Tuesday morning ahead of their Europa League final in Bilbao against Spurs.

Events

3 w. ago Football fans face paying thousands of pounds for Europa League final trips

Direct return flights from the UK to Bilbao in northern Spain cost from more than £1,000, while hotel rooms are at least £1,200.

Sport

4 w. ago European rule that could see Brits banned from flying despite passport being in date

You could find yourself missing out on your holiday even if your passport is still in date

Events