Lake

BRILLIANT sunlight flickered against a blue, cloudless sky. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for my 10km hike around Derwentwater, the third largest lake in the Lake District.

Trundling along the grassy trail with a flask of coffee in hand, every direction I turned in offered impressive sights of sweeping mountaintops and the motionless body of water below.

The views are simply spectacular and should have been reward enough for my valiant hiking efforts.

But I was already thinking about the pint waiting for me back at the newly refurbished Royal Oak.

Slap bang in the middle of Keswick, this pub with rooms re-opened only a few months ago following a £1million facelift by its owner, Thwaites. And what a good job they’ve done.

Downstairs, the bar area is full of cosy nooks with huge armchairs to relax in, while the dining area is awash with indoor plants and countryside- inspired touches that make it feel more like a home than a pub.

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Add a roaring fireplace and dog-friendly bedrooms to the mix and you’ve got a proper ramblers’ paradise.

I was staying in one of the upper-floor bedrooms, where the piping-hot showers are a soothing antidote to aching muscles after tackling the surrounding hilly landscape.

Each of the 18 rooms reflects a similar ambience to the main pub, with rustic wooden headboards backing plump beds and autumnal coloured curtains that give the space a woodland feel.

Modern bathrooms feature fancy toiletries from Lake District company Bath House, while flat-screen smart TVs make it all too easy to enjoy a lazy lie-in.

Make sure you don’t sleep too late, though, as you wouldn’t want to miss out on breakfast.

The kitchen dishes up cracking homemade grub, most of which is sourced locally. Think loaded fry-ups with fat, juicy sausages and pub classics like fish and chips with mushy peas.

I kept things simple at dinner with a 10oz rib-eye steak which came with a roasted vine tomato, mushroom, rocket and chunky chips that were very moreish – all washed down with a bottle of red.

If the food and decor aren’t enough of a selling point, then the location of the Royal Oak sure will be.

At the centre of a charming high street, the pub is within walking distance of quaint wine shops, boutique clothing stores and excellent bakeries, including the newly opened Snack Shack.

I’ve never seen more sausage rolls stacked in a window before! That was all the persuading I needed to buy one. A great idea – the pastry was buttery and flakey and the caramelised onion filling was a delicious touch.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, take a wander to Keswick market, where you’ll find stalls selling all sorts of local food, products – and more flat caps than you’d see in an old folks’ home.

If you prefer to carry on rambling, I’d recommend making the journey to Cat Bells fell.

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But only if you’re up for a challenge, as the summit is equivalent in height to ten Big Bens stacked on top of one another. I reckon I was about seven high when I decided to give up.

People in the Lakes are made of sturdier stuff than I – it’s probably those sausage rolls.

Tom Hanks is one of several celebrities who have fallen for the charm of Muskoka in Ontario, Canada, a region filled with thousands of lakes and tens of thousands of craggy islands

When you consider Hollywood getaways, you might envision classic destinations like Italy’s Portofino, Monte Carlo, or the Hamptons, but Tom Hanks appears to have discovered the ideal spot for a tranquil retreat, well away from bustling beaches and heaving resorts.

Boasting thousands of lakes and countless rugged islands, the relatively unknown Muskoka region in Ontario, Canada, has attracted the star for serene and scenic breaks before the masses discover it.

It’s a realm of tranquil azure waters, small wooded islets, and timber boathouses that feels worlds apart from Hollywood and mirrors the Lake District but amplified, minus the coach parties and with far superior weather.

Merely two hours from Toronto, Muskoka spans an enormous area of central Ontario, peppered with over 1,500 lakes and encircled by coniferous woodlands.

It’s frequently dubbed “the Hamptons of the North”, owing to its blend of wilderness splendour and waterside opulence, reports the Express.

The ambience here is considerably more relaxed than what you’d experience in that exclusive New Jersey enclave.

You’re far more apt to spot families paddling canoes or toasting marshmallows beside a bonfire than moored, ostentatious vessels with champagne flowing.

Tom Hanks is amongst numerous celebrities who’ve been captivated by the region’s allure.

Sources claim he owns a home on Lake Muskoka itself, one of the area’s most renowned locations, where he spends considerable time between shoots. Muskoka, a tranquil region in Canada, is rumoured to be the summer retreat of choice for many celebrities, including Harry Styles, the Beckhams, Justin Bieber, and even Steven Spielberg, all seeking respite from their hectic lives.

The area is defined by three main lakes: Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph, each with its own unique charm. Lake Rosseau is renowned for its elegant cottages and grand holiday homes, while Lake Muskoka offers a more laid-back vibe, ideal for canoeing, paddleboarding or simply watching the sunset from the dock.

For those who love the great outdoors, Muskoka is a dream come true. Walking trails line the banks of the lakes, and there are plenty of places to rent a canoe or mountain bike.

With nearly 30,000 little islands scattered across the region, you can easily spend a day exploring and feel like you’ve truly escaped.

Despite its current status as a hidden gem, Muskoka has been a celebrity favourite for over a century. The iconic Bigwin Resort hosted big names such as Clark Gable and Ernest Hemingway back in the 1930s.

Steve Haid, a luxury waterfront estate agent, perfectly encapsulated the allure of Muskoka when he told Forbes: “To describe Muskoka is like trying to put into words a beautiful dream you just had.

“It’s best that you experience it rather than hear about it; beautiful lakes, unique boat houses, and a variety of cottage-style lake houses from different eras, it’s something out of a storybook really.”

From paddling in Lake Windermere to scenic cruises, our wholesome Lake District escape had something for the whole family to enjoy: kids, grandparents and even our dog

The goal was a five-day UK getaway that three generations of our family would enjoy, so we ditched our usual Cornwall hotspot and instead headed north to the Lakes.

We stayed in Ada’s Hideaway, booked via Sykes Cottages, a tucked‑away barn conversion hidden in the rural countryside of Stainton near Sizergh, just a few miles from Kendal in Cumbria. It’s part of a cluster of luxury cottages on a working farm, meaning gentle agricultural life just adds to its charm (expect to hear livestock or see farm vehicles). From the back garden we had rolling views across fields and could see horses in adjacent paddocks – a quiet, pretty glimpse of country life that felt like a real treat.

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Because it is off the beaten track, having a car is essential as there isn’t anything on the doorstep. We stocked up at the local supermarket (there’s a Lidl and Asda in Kendal) as we wanted to keep costs down by making our meals every night – plus with young kids, we find evenings in, where they can run around the house and play games, is the easiest option.

What to do around Lake Windermere

One day we headed out to Fell Foot, a National Trust site on the southern tip of Lake Windermere. It’s a dream for families – huge lawns for picnics, shallow lake waters for paddling and swimming, and the option to hire boats or give paddleboarding a go. Visiting in warmer weather, the children loved trying out the water activities and paddling with Charlie, our cockapoo. After a row around the lake and plenty of splashing about, we tucked into a picnic, but there’s also a lovely café on site.

Another day we parked near the Beatrix Potter museum in Bowness and strolled down to the pier, where you can hop on a cruise that’s not only child‑friendly but dogs can also travel for free. We took the 75-minute ‘red’ package that goes via Ambleside. Gliding across the lake watching the kids wave at passing boats while their nan enjoyed the views of the striking peaks made it the perfect activity for all generations.

On a previous trip to Windermere we booked onto a different boat trip from the Jetty Museum, which we highly recommend too as it has an excellent café and a large car park – but we had our furry friend with us on this visit, and they’re not allowed on these restored boats.

Why it works for families

The Lake District is famous for its scenery, but what struck us most was how easy it was to include everyone. From dog‑friendly attractions to gentle walks, boat trips and open green spaces, nothing ever felt stressful. We could plan big adventures or simply slow down with ice creams by the water.

Ada’s Hideaway was an excellent place to base ourselves, and evenings spent here were relaxed and low‑key – board games, family meals and a glass of wine once the kids were tucked up. If your ideal break is part-cosy cottage, part-lakeside fun and part-quiet countryside reset, this really delivered.

How much does it cost?

Stays at Ada’s Hideaway start at £602 for seven nights. Book via Sykes Cottages.

For other options for Lake District cottages, have a browse of Holidaycottages.co.uk or Rural Retreats.

For my final day, I wanted to do something I’d never done before: swim straight out to sea. When I do open water swimming, I swim parallel to shore. This would be different. No markers. No sight line. Just the horizon. The currents. The waves. On top of this, we would be swimming from Bolinas, a quaint fishing town that is famously hostile to visitors and removes its signs to keep them out. This is where the Bolinas Lagoon opens out to the open ocean. Seals gather here, and the sharks supposedly come here to feast on the seals. I didn’t know if this was just a rumor to keep out-of-town surfers away, but the Farallon Islands just 20 miles south of Point Reyes are the winter playground for some of the world’s largest great white sharks. For this endeavor I enlisted the help of my friend, Greg, a local.

We wore wetsuits. He gave me a cozy neoprene hat to wear over my cap and goggles to keep my head warm. He also provided me with a special anti-shark amulet that I wore on my wrist like a watch. Developed in Australia, these wrist magnets repel the sharks, he said, and “feel like a punch in the nose” to the sharks if they get too close. Sounded good to me!

The day dawned foggy, but the low blanket of mist that hugged the land the day before had lifted. I was terrified of swimming straight out and losing sight of land. Greg assured me that even in dense fog you know where land is by sensing the direction of the waves. That may be true, but I wasn’t ready to swim by the feel of the currents yet. Greg also wore tiny flippers that looked like duck feet and a neon bubble attached to his waist to carry our valuables and make us visible to boats. We agreed to swim out 15 minutes.

The waves were big. The surfers were already out at a local spot known as the “patch.” We dove through the waves, swimming hard between. The water visibility was nil — just a blur of yellow, brown and eventually black. We wouldn’t be able to see a seal or shark if it swam right beneath us. I didn’t like the feeling.

But my friend was beside me. Finally my shallow, panicked breath slowed, my stroke evened out and I settled in. Out past the waveline we stopped. The early-morning sea was glassy and smooth. It felt viscous, velvety and otherworldly. Pelicans and terns swooped and dove around us. Surprisingly, once we swam out, I could see the land encircled us with long arms. Stinson Beach stretched out to the right, Bolinas to the left. We would not lose our way. We swam farther out. Every few strokes we stopped to take in the view. We were just specks in the ocean, as tiny as a velella or an anchovy, part of a big, watery world.

Out here my perspective changed. I realized we could swim forever and still see the shore. We lay on our backs and let the swells gently lift us, then fall. The words of my father, a second-generation submariner, often recited when I was a child, drifted through my head: “Rocked in the cradle of the deep, I lay me down in peace to sleep.” We swam to where the glassiness ended and the wind rippled the surface, 14 minutes out.

The magic of the open water experience was better shared. No GoPro or camera can capture the vastness of the ocean for someone back on shore. Or what it feels like to ride the slow heaving of the ocean, pulsing like the heartbeat of the world. We came ashore in a big set, swimming frantically in, then turning to face the waves so we didn’t get wiped out. We swam until our feet touched the sandy bottom and crawled out happy but exhausted.

My body carried the rocking of the ocean for the rest of the day. I could close my eyes and be back there, gently rising and falling under the low, gray sky. I held onto that feeling as long as I could.

My friend promised me that by next year, he would have more bodies of water and more secret swims. Already he had come up with new watering holes I never knew existed. But for me, the quest had been a success. Being in water every day helped me regain my equilibrium. Surfers say the ions in salt water make you happy. I don’t know if it’s true, but I’m 60% water and I felt I had moistened my dry skin, lightened the pull of gravity on my aging body and shed some of the heaviness of the first six months of the year.

When I first went to my therapist many years ago, she told me the story of the selkies. At the time I was feeling overwhelmed with work, marriage and motherhood. Much of our work has been my journey back to myself. After my vacation, I told her of my adventure. She said, “You were able to put your pelt back on. You’re spending more time in your seal suit.” Yes. On land and in the water. I am. Sometimes the metaphor is the medicine.

Mercedes Bryce Morgan’s horror film “Bone Lake” announces itself with a startlingly cheeky opener and closes with a bloody gore-fest, the song “Sex and Violence” by U.K. punk outfit the Exploited spelling out the thesis of the film for us. It’s about the intertwining of sex and violence, you see. But what unfolds between these naughty, viscera-drenched bookends is less of a traditional horror film and more of a psychosexual thriller, like “Funny Games” played between two, young attractive couples, with a setup borrowed from “Barbarian.”

In the script by Joshua Friedlander, a double-booking of a secluded rental mansion becomes a double date when Will (Alex Roe) and Cin (Andra Nechita) stumble in on the intimate weekend vacay of Sage (Maddie Hasson) and Diego (Marco Pigossi). The couples decide to make the best of it and stay, promising to rock-paper-scissors for the house if anything gets “weird.”

And get weird it does. While Diego and Sage seemed perfectly happy on arrival, the sexy, uninhibited Will and Cin have a way of nosing out their insecurities, finding the cracks in their connection and weaseling their way in. Suddenly, their lackluster sex life is on trial, and Sage’s resentment about financially supporting Diego while he pursues his dream of writing a novel bubbles to the surface.

Like any weekend-goes-awry horror movie (e.g., “Speak No Evil”), the female half of the couple catches a bad vibe that her male partner dismisses, due to his vested interest in wanting to stay. For Diego, it’s the promise that Cin will share his writing with his favorite author, for whom she claims to work. They overlook the red flags, blow off their opportunities to leave and decide to go all in with this wanton pair, drinking, playing games, breaking into secret rooms and dodging sexual overtures from each of them.

Morgan and her cinematographer Nick Matthews make the location fun to look at, with a saturated color palette and clever camera movements. However, there are scenes where the film is frustratingly dim and underlit, even if it might be justified by the power going out during a storm.

While there’s a certain verve and style to the middle section, where Will and Cin draw in their prey and toy with them, the Grand Guignol climax bears no rhythm or suspense; it’s merely a bludgeoning of the audience with carnage — too much too late.

Other blunt instruments? Roe and Nechita, who don’t play their roles with any subtlety. Roe’s Will comes off as a dangerous himbo; Nechita’s Cin is an over-the-top minx in her seduction of both Diego and Sage. While Hasson’s Sage is a plausibly strident freelance journalist type, you wonder if she has much experience with female friendship, because Cin’s manipulation is so painfully obvious. Pigossi’s self-obsessed novelist, however, is perfectly pitched in his all-around obliviousness.

There’s a kernel of something fascinating at the center of “Bone Lake,” a melding of sex and violence into gestures that are familiar from true crime stories. But there’s not enough motivation baked into the big third-act twist, and the performances just aren’t strong enough to suggest anything deeper.

“Bone Lake” offers up an appealing surface but it’s ultimately too shallow to get you immersed.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

Sept. 29 (UPI) — Electronic Arts has been sold to private investors in the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners in an all-cash deal worth $55 billion.

Stockholders will be paid $210 per share.

EA stock rose about 15% Friday, closing at $193.35, after the Wall Street Journal said the company was about to go private. This morning, the stock was at $202.80.

The all-cash purchase is valued at about $55 billion.

“The transaction positions EA to accelerate innovation and growth to build the future of entertainment,” a press release said.

“Electronic Arts ​is ​an ​extraordinary ​company with a ​world-class ​management ​team and a bold vision ​for ​the ​future. ​I’ve admired their ​ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, ​and ​as ​someone ​who ​grew up playing their ​games — and now enjoys them with his ​kids — I couldn’t be ​more ​excited about ​what’s ​ahead,” said Jared Kushner, Affinity Partners CEO and son-in-law of President Donald Trump, in a statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium of investors will acquire EA, with PIF rolling over its existing 9.9% stake in the company. The $210 per share purchase price represents a 25% premium to EA’s unaffected share price of $168.32 at market close on Friday, the last fully unaffected trading day, and a premium to EA’s unaffected all-time high of $179.01 at market close on Aug. 14, the press release said.

EA will remain headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., and Andrew Wilson will stay on as CEO. The deal is set to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.

EA makes games such as Battlefield, The Sims and Madden NFL games. It will be the largest leveraged buyout in Wall Street history, CNBC reported

In a note to employees, Wilson said he is “excited to continue as CEO.”

“Our new partners bring deep experience across sports, gaming, and entertainment,” CNBC reported he wrote. “They are committed with conviction to EA — they believe in our people, our leadership, and the long-term vision we are now building together.”

Denis Bouanga scored three goals, his second hat trick in the last three games, and LAFC beat Real Salt Lake 4-1 on Sunday night at BMO Stadium.

Bouanga, who has scored in four consecutive games, has 22 goals this season, tied with Lionel Messi for the most in MLS. Bouanga had 20 goals in each of the last two seasons and is the first player in MLS history with at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons.

The 30-year-old Bouanga, who also had three goals in a 4-2 win over San José on Sept. 13, has a club-record four career hat tricks in the regular season, one more than Carlos Vela.

Son Heung-min added a goal and two assists for LAFC (14-7-8).

LAFC, which clinched a playoff spot when St. Louis beat San José 3-1 on Saturday, has 50 points and is fourth in the Western Conference. Third-place Minnesota has 54 points and Seattle is fifth with 45.

Son, who had his first MLS hat trick in LAFC’s 4-1 win over Salt Lake on the road Wednesday, has seven goals in the past three games.

Salt Lake (10-16-4) has lost five of six.

Bouanga scored in the first minute of first-half stoppage time and Son bounced a shot from outside the area off the near post and into the net a couple minutes later to give LAFC a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Bouanga added goals in the 73rd and 87th minutes.

Brayan Vera scored his first goal of the season in the 14th minute on a left-foot shot from well outside the area that slipped under the crossbar and inside the back post to give Salt Lake a 1-0 lead.

Ever dreamt of stepping foot inside some of the incredible houses won through the Omaze prize draws? Well, now you can, as a couple of them are available to book

Winning one of the stunning Omaze houses in the competition’s monthly prize draws might be a dream for many, but now you can get a taste of what it’s like to live in some of them, as two Omaze mansions are now available for holidaymakers to book via Sykes Cottages.

As, if you’re the lucky Omaze winner, the house is yours to do with as you please, whether that’s live in it, sell it or rent it out, we assume that the winners of these two properties chose to do the latter.

One in the Lake District and one just outside Bath, these two properties allows you to get a taste of how the other half lives, even if just for a week or long weekend. And they’re perfectly properties for a luxury stay with family of friends – and they’re clearly proving popular, as available dates are going fast.

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Deer Close is a modern build on the shores of Conisiton Water in the Lake District that sleeps 10, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, balconies with beautiful views over the lake, and even its own wellness suite.

The next available dates to book are in January, when a three-night stay costs £2,500 – split between 10 people, that’s £83 per person per night.

In completely contrasting style, Batheaston House, a few miles from Bath, looks like something straight out of Bridgerton, a Georgian country pile that retains plenty of period features and considered decor. With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, Batheaston House sleeps 12 people and pets are allowed.

There aren’t really any bookable dates left at this property in September so you’d need to be looking at October onwards; a three-night stay from 17-20 October is currently discounted from £6,060 to £2,798, working out at, if you fill each bed, around £77 per person per night.

Of course, these are at the grander end of the many holiday cottages that Sykes offers. For something smaller (and cheaper) in the Lake District, we like the look of the historic Courtyard cottage in Cumbria, whereas this four-floor townhouse in Bath gets our vote too (but there’s loads to choose from on the website).

Other sites to browse for similar UK self-catering holiday lets include Holiday Cottages (this Cartmel cottage looks very cute), and Rural Retreats, which has over 900 countryside cottages across the country.

Under the warm autumn sun, looking out over the lake, I’m sipping tart, refreshing apple-secco. It’s a sparkling prosecco-like aperitif, but made from apples instead of grapes. I eat a few cinnamon apple chips, then move on to the hard stuff: brandy made from heritage apple varieties.

If you hadn’t guessed, apples are big business around here. I’m on a walking trip along the shores of Lake Constance, on Germany’s southern border. About 250,000 tonnes of apples are harvested in this region each year. Our trip has coincided with the annual gourmet event, when local producers set up stalls and sell their wares along 9 miles (15km) of the SeeGang hiking trail between Überlingen, Sipplingen and Bodman-Ludwigshafen (this year it takes place on 12 October). If apples aren’t your jam, there’s also pear-secco and spirits made from everything from plums, cherries and blackcurrants to jerusalem artichokes. Hikers can also sample food such as smoked sausages, cheeses, onion tarts, and homemade cakes and pies.

Lake Constance’s tourism tagline is: “Four countries – one lake”. Germany, Austria and Switzerland all meet at the lake, while Lichtenstein is just a half-hour drive away. On our short break, my boyfriend and I stick to the German section, but those with more time could easily visit three or four countries. There is a 160-mile cycling circuit around the lake, which can be divided into four to eight stages; and week-long foodie, active and highlights itineraries, all doable using public transport. The Bodensee ticket gives unlimited travel on trains, buses and ferries (from €48 for three days), while the Bodensee Card Plus also includes entry to 160 attractions (from €78 for three days; €124 for seven).

We started our trip in Konstanz (anglicised as Constance), the biggest city on the lake. We took a guided tour to learn about the city’s long history – most notably the Council of Constance of 1414-1418, a series of meetings to resolve years of schism within the Catholic church – and visit its landmarks: the council building itself; Imperia, a controversial 9-metre (30ft) rotating waterfront statue of a voluptuous woman, believed to be a courtesan, holding a king and a pope in her hands, created in 1993 by Peter Lenk; the münster (cathedral) and its 78-metre tower with views over the city, lake and mountains; and the charming Niederburg district, with its cobbled alleyways and houses from the late Middle Ages.

While the sun was shining, we ate outside by the water at Constanzer Wirtshaus, an inn in a former officers’ mess, built for Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1899. As well as hearty meat dishes such as knuckle of pork, shredded ox and beef roulade, I was delighted to find delicious vegan versions of regional dishes. Maultaschen, usually meat-filled dumplings, were made with plant-based mince and served with a potato and cucumber salad and vegetable gravy.

When it rained, we took refuge in Brauhaus Joh Albrecht, a brewery and restaurant in a medieval building. Alongside its core menu of sausages, schnitzels and Swabian (southwest German) specialities such as käsespätzle (pasta with cheese and roasted onions), it serves seasonal dishes. The pumpkin soup with giant pretzels was proving popular; this autumn there is a chanterelle mushroom menu, pleasingly called a pfifferlingskarte in German. We tried the malty Copper beer; later in the year, the dark, strong Xmas Bock will go on sale.

After all this indulgence, it was time to walk to our campsite, nearly 19km (12 miles) around the lake. Just outside the city, we reached the inviting Bodensee-Therme baths, with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms. We pressed on and passed Mainau, known as the flower island. In September, the dahlias are in full bloom and the katsura trees give off scents of gingerbread and caramel; the arboretum is at its leaf-peeping peak in October; and the illuminated Christmas garden opens on 18 November.

We left the lake and headed a little way into the countryside, walking through meadows and climbing a couple of hills, before strolling through the lakeside village of Dingelsdorf to the Campingplatz Klausenhorn just beyond. The nights were getting chilly, so we were glad to be staying in a cosy sleeping barrel rather than a tent. These wooden structures are supposedly based on the accommodation at the Council of Constance – but presumably a lot warmer and cleaner. The campsite has a cafe, sells fresh bread in the mornings and hosts a market on Fridays. Ufer 39, a restaurant a short walk away, serves local dishes plus pizza and pasta, in a modern space with a vaulted ceiling.

The next morning, we took a boat from Dingelsdorf harbour across the lake to Überlingen, a town with a medieval quarter and the longest promenade on the lake. This was the start of our gourmet walk – shorter (at about 7 miles) than the previous day’s route but more challenging – traversing ravines, forests and, of course, orchards. A particularly memorable stop was at the Torkelbühl viewpoint, where the Kress Winery was serving wine and snacks to accompany the incredible lake panorama.

Beyond Sipplingen, we were starting to tire when we heard the rousing sound of an oompah band. We headed towards the music and emerged at the Höhengasthaus Haldenhof, a picture-perfect mountain inn whose sun terrace has views all the way to the Alps. Fortified by more excellent German beer, it was a short hop to our journey’s end, the Seehotel Adler in Bodman-Ludwigshafen. With a heated outdoor pool and three saunas, it was certainly a good place to relax after a hike. The restaurant serves pike and char fish alongside pork cheeks and steaks, and more excellent vegetarian options such as panzerotti (mini calzones) stuffed with porcini and truffles, with thyme butter.

We’d packed a lot in, but there was so much left to see: the island old town of Lindau; the Middle Ages castle at Meersburg; the Zeppelin city of Friedrichshafen. And that’s without even leaving Germany. We’re going to need more apple-secco …

The trip was provided by the German National Tourist Office. This year’s gourmet hiking event is on 12 October. Campingplatz Klausenhorn has sleeping barrels from €70, sleeping two adults and two children; the campsite is open until 15 October and reopens in March. The Seehotel Adler has doubles from €160 B&B

Son Heung-min secured his first MLS hat trick on a sliding finish in the 82nd minute and LAFC beat Real Salt Lake 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Salt Lake (10-15-4) has lost four of its last five matches.

Son, who joined LAFC (13-7-8) a month ago from the English Premier League, scored on a breakaway in the third minute for a 1-0 lead. He was left wide open in the middle of the field in the 16th and scored from distance to make it 2-0.

Son ran with Denis Bouanga from midfield on a 2-on-1 breakaway and scored an easy tap-in for a 3-1 advantage. Bouanga scored six minutes later on another breakaway to break a tie with league legend Carlos Vela for the most goals in club history with 94.

RSL missed a penalty kick in the 45th when Rwan Cruz’s attempt hit off the right post and went across the goal line to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who had gone the other way.

Teenager Zavier Gozo scored on a beautiful bicycle kick for RSL in the 76th.

You might not have heard of the idyllic lake surrounded by a forest, but it has been named the best walk in the country

North Wales is a hotspot for stunning walks and breathtaking vistas – and there’s one hidden haven that offers a tranquil atmosphere in a place you might not expect.

Located in the Snowdonia National Park, Llyn Elsi is an incredible, peaceful spot perfect for a walk. You’ll have to earn the views though, as it’s located amidst the mountains that this area is famed for.

The reward is without a doubt worth the effort, as the Llyn Elsi circular route has been deemed the best walk in the country according to online fashion retailer Damart. The “easy” two-hour stroll around the picturesque mountain reservoir within woodland provides vistas across to Snowdonia.

Situated above the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed, Llyn Elsi is a lesser-known reservoir within Gwydyr Forest that emerged from two smaller bodies of water, Llyn Rhisgog and Llyn Enoc. In 1914, with consent from Lord Ancaster, a 20ft dam was constructed to supply water for Betws-y-Coed in Eryri National Park.

Despite this, the lake only has a maximum depth of nine metres. A path round the lake provides excellent views towards the mountain ranges of the Carneddau and the Glyderau, reports North Wales Live.

On the lake itself, a small island provides a breeding ground for its most notorious residents, black headed gulls, once blamed for polluting the local water supply. The spot is so secluded, journalist Liam Ryder came across it by accident during a holiday in the area.

He said: “Llyn Elsi is an incredible spot that my partner and I actually found by complete accident. When in holiday in North Wales, we set out with the aim of climbing Yr Wyddfa itself.

“But of course, a lack of planning on my behalf meant I’d overlooked the need to book the Snowdon train up the mountain. I’d also managed to get us in the complete wrong place thanks to a mixture of ignorance and naivety, so we settled with a shorter hike and make the most of an entirely avoidable situation.

“In some ways, it worked out for the best. While Snowdon remains on our bucket list as adults, we’ll never forget climbing and walking through the clearing to see Llyn Elsi and the surrounding peaks in all their glory.

“Despite visiting Eryri in the peak of the school summer holidays – which meant the weather while climbing was absolutely punishing – the place was deserted. It made for the most tranquil, peaceful experience of my life to date.”

Hikes typically starts from behind the Grade II-listed St Mary’s Church in the village, with a dog-friendly path that features benches and woodland streams. It’s a bridleway, so it’s suitable for cycling, although some parts can be steep.

The 6.5km (4 miles) circular walk to and from Betws y Coed has racked up 1.7 million Google searches and 63,073 Instagram hashtags. With a 4.4 rating on AllTrails, the route is considered “easy”, making it “ideal” for hiking and mountain biking.

As September begins, legions of Californians have just wound up their summer travels, which often follow family traditions. Frequently there are lakes involved. Or islands. Or a national park.

We’re asking readers to tell us about a place you keep going back to, how you keep the tradition alive and what makes it special. If you are able to share up to three of your own photos, even better. We may feature you in an upcoming story.

Drumnadrochit is a small village in the Scottish Highlands that is famous for being the home of the Loch Ness Monster, but it has so much more to offer than that.

Many tourists heading to Scotland aren’t chasing sunshine. They flock to these shores seeking breathtaking scenery and fascinating heritage – with some grub and tipples on the side.

There’s a tiny Highland village that manages to deliver on virtually every front for holidaymakers – yet most Scots likely couldn’t even tell you what it’s called. Drumnadrochit has earned fame as the supposed dwelling place of the Loch Ness Monster, but there’s more to it than that – it’s also home to one of the globe’s most celebrated and recognisable fortresses, provided you’re an Outlander fan.

The village itself houses barely 1,100 residents, though numbers balloon each year as monster seekers arrive hoping to spot the legendary beast, reports Scottish Daily Express.

Visit Scotland’s website hails Drumnadrochit as amongst the finest spots for discovering the Highlands. It states: “The village is surrounded by the glens, Glen Urquhart and Glenmoriston, as well as the Great Glen that reaches across from Inverness in the east to Fort William in the west.

“The area is rich in things to see and do with activities ranging from exploring Urquhart Castle, a classic romantic ruin jutting out into the loch, horse riding, cycling, cruising the length of Loch Ness and fishing trips.

“Loch Ness, the largest and most famous loch in the Great Glen, is a top UK holiday spot that draws crowds each year hoping to spot Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness monster.

“The Nessie replica might be as close as you get to the real deal, but you can also delve into the eerie history of monster hunting facts and folklore at the centre.

“Nessieland lets you watch a documentary about monster sightings over the years, and explore the Nessie caves to uncover the legends and mysteries. The attraction also boasts an adventure playground and offers cruises on Loch Ness.”

Urquhart Castle, with its stunning views and rich Highland heritage, has been the backdrop to some of Scotland’s most dramatic historical events.

It saw intense military action from the 1200s until 1692 when Edward I of England – known as the “Hammer of the Scots” – seized the castle in 1296. The fortress was later retaken by the Scots and once again fell into English hands.

Urquhart Castle has a 4.3 out of five rating on TripAdvisor with one visitor posting: “I came to Loch Ness for Urquhart Castle. The place transcends words, and inspires paintings. It’s so gothic and romantic, I loved the fact that it overlooks the deepest part of the loch and called out to Nessie from the beach next to the castle. The best views up close is definitely to be had on castle grounds.”

Another said: “The magnificent Urquhart Castle is on the shore of Loch Ness and a beautiful and short drive from Inverness. We left Inverness around 9am and had a very pleasant drive to Urquart Castle stopping once at a popular viewing point to see the Loch Ness.”

A third added: “The Urquart Castle was a great experience! We spend around an hour and a half there and we were lucky enough to get great sunny weather so we weren’t too cold and got great photos!

“We really appreciated that we didn’t need to go on an organized tour and we could just go through at our own pace and read all the information. The castle isn’t very big so you can really see everything they have there pretty quickly and see the amazing views. Our experience was probably made better our lucky weather but we would go back again for a peaceful walk.”

‘Do you think I’m going to be cold?” asks my friend Ellie as we navigate the winding roads of Mosedale, on the north-eastern reaches of the Lake District, while rain batters against the windscreen. It’s a fair question. Both the Met Office and Mountain Weather Information Service are clear – being in the Lakeland hills will not be pleasant this Friday night, due to a sudden cold and wet snap. But there’s another reason she’s asking. I’m taking her to stay in her first bothy – that’s a mountain shelter left open, year-round, for walkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to use, free of charge, with no way to book.

Unlike mountain huts in other parts of Europe and the world, they weren’t built for this purpose. They are old buildings left to ruin in wild places – former coastguard lookouts, gamekeepers’ cottages, remote Highland schoolrooms – before the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) began to maintain them, offering shelter in a storm. And during this particular storm, shelter is definitely needed.

Before we left, Ellie was worried about what to pack, and well she might be. Despite a bothy having four walls, a roof, windows and a front door (they range from tiny, one-room affairs to sprawling, multi-bedroom structures), they are still very basic. There is no running water (there’s usually a stream nearby for this), no toilet (each has a bothy spade so you can dig your own) and no electricity (tealights and a headtorch are a must), and the one we are heading to, Great Lingy Hut, doesn’t even have the usual bothy stove for warmth.

Yet it’s precisely for these reasons that I’ve chosen it to be Ellie’s first. I know that because of the bad weather it’s unlikely we’ll have to share with anyone else. We park at the base of Carrock Fell, where the River Caldew is now a raging torrent. It is past dusk; the rain has eased to a mere mizzle and we can just make out the shape of the building on the skyline. With backpacks shouldered we begin uphill, keeping our eyes open for signs of walkers who may have potentially beaten us to it.

“Visitor numbers have definitely gone up in recent years,” the chair of the MBA, Simon Birch, tells me when I speak to him the night before. “Of course, back in the day they were kept a secret – some old documents I was going through have ‘confidential’ written across them. But people can’t keep secrets like this.”

It was in 2009 that the MBA decided to publish grid references to its 100-strong network on its website – despite some internal protests. After that, the “cat was out of the bag”, says Birch. When the MBA celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2015, I asked and was granted permission to write the first guidebook about bothies – as a love letter to them, rather than a definitive guide. There was a lot of pushback, though. When The Book of the Bothy was published, I experienced online trolling (from MBA members and others), abusive emails, complaints to my publisher and even threats. But at the same time, one of the MBA’s co-founders, Betty Heath, told me how much she loved my passion; Birch told me that younger members began to sign up (when there was a real danger of membership ageing out); and now there is even a female thirtysomething trustee.

Out of the 105 bothies they currently look after, only two are owned by the MBA. All the others are on leases. “Ultimately, we could lose all our bothies, if the owners decided to take them back,” says Birch – which proves just how special the network and ethos of bothies is.

The hut we head to in the Lakes was originally used by miners at the nearby and now disused Carrock Mine (which dates back to the 16th century). It was relocated to its higher location on the moor as a shooting box. During the 1960s it was leased to the “Friends” Quaker boarding school in Wigton as an outdoor base and was fitted with a sleeping platform. When that school closed in 1984, it became an open shelter, and eventually the Lake District national park took responsibility for its maintenance before handing it over to the MBA in 2017.

We pass the mine workings under a starry sky, so they appear only as silhouettes. We ford the stream with the help of walking poles and mutual words of encouragement. Finally, we reach the door and experience the anticipatory few seconds that anyone who’s ever stayed in a bothy will know – when after hours of walking you knock on the door with mild trepidation, to discover if anyone else has beaten you to it. The door swings open. It’s empty. We have it to ourselves.

“The biggest change has been the impact that the growing popularity of long-distance trails has had on the bothies,” Simon tells me. “Some of the spots are incredibly well used, and we now have a sanitation officer in the MBA.”

I give Ellie a brief rundown of bothy etiquette. Put candles and the camping stove in the designated area so as not to cause a fire risk. Use the spade for the toilet – well away from the building and any watercourses. Set up a bag for waste. As a countryside girl, she has a good idea of the code – but Birch says a problem the MBA is facing in its 60th year is that content creators are showing people the bothies on social media but not teaching good practice. As such, in a very modern move, the MBA is seeking creators to collaborate with it, to demonstrate responsible bothying.

We settle in, heating a pre-made tagine and making hot chocolates to keep us warm. I also fill hot-water bottles. We chat for hours, me regaling Ellie with stories of previous bothy visits – including the time I inadvertently crashed a stag party in Scotland.

The wind whistles through the cables that hold Great Lingy Hut down, but despite this, as mothers of young children, we both sleep well away from the madness of our day-to-day lives.

Recent figures put the MBA membership at 3,800 – with many more users who don’t pay the annual £25 donation to join. We’re staying at one of the newer buildings in the network, but Birch tells me there are no plans to take on any more.

We enjoy our breakfast beside the window, where a lifting fog offers tantalising views down this little-visited valley.

As we leave, I feel hopeful for the next 60 years of bothies in Britain. We pack not only our own rubbish but empty packets and used candle holders left by others. “I love it,” says Ellie, “leaving it better than we arrived.” She may have begun this adventure worried about feeling cold but, thanks to the magic of bothies, is leaving as many do, warmed by the whole wild and wonderful experience.

For more information visit the Mountain Bothies Association. The Book of the Bothy by Phoebe Smith is available for £12.95 from guardianbookshop.com

Safety Quentin Lake and running back Kyren Williams are key players for a Rams team with legitimate designs on a Super Bowl title.

Both are in the final years of their rookie contracts.

But while the Rams have been in negotiations with Williams’ agent about a possible extension, Lake will most likely have to play out the season before his future with the Rams is determined.

And history is not on his side.

Consider: Since the Rams returned to Los Angeles from St. Louis in 2016, they have not signed a safety they drafted to an extension.

“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Lake said Tuesday when asked about the situation, “as long as I take care of myself between these white lines everything will take care of itself.”

Lake, a team captain, is scheduled to earn $3.4 million this season, according to Overthecap.com. The 2022 sixth-round draft pick from UCLA has been a versatile and dependable piece of the defense under second-year coordinator Chris Shula.

Last season, Lake played every defensive snap as a safety, nickel/corner and hybrid linebacker.

The only element missing from Lake’s statistical resume are interceptions: He is still looking for his first.

On Tuesday, Lake picked off a ball that tipped off Williams’ hands.

“If you’re hustling to the ball, or if you’re in the right place at the right time, something good will happen eventually,” Lake said, “and that’s exactly what happened there.”

Lake has been “invaluable” to the Rams, coach Sean McVay said.

“I’ve loved everything that he’s about,” McVay said. “And all you see from Quentin Lake is him just continuing to get better, bringing people with him. He is a Ram and I love Q.”

Lake knows that making plays on the ball will help his case. But he is not stressing about it.

“I’m not worried about stats because value — my value — I think comes in other ways,” he said. “Versatility, being in the right position, being able to communicate, having the ability to be the [defensive signal-caller] if need be.

“So I’m not too worried about stats. But I think at this time, it’s now, how can I take calculated risks? How can I find an uncommon ability to make plays on the ball?”

Etc.

McVay started his post-practice news conference with comments about the shooting on Monday at the New York building that houses NFL headquarters. “Thoughts and prayers are with the people that have been affected by the shooting at NFL headquarters,” McVay said. “It’s just such a terrible thing. And again you just hope for the best for any of the people that are injured, and then the people that did lose loved ones, we’re just thinking about them.”…. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who remains sidelined because of what McVay has described as a back issue, observed practice. McVay reiterated that “there is a plan in place” for when Stafford might practice, but he said he did not want to set a definitive timetable publicly. “This is the smartest plan for him and we’re confident he’ll be ready,” for the Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans, McVay said…. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (hamstring) and safety Kam Curl (ankle) did not finish practice…. After a veteran rest day on Monday, receiver Davante Adams participated in the second practice in pads and he made several impressive catches…. Quarterback Stetson Bennett connected with tight end Davis Allen for a touchdown pass…. Inside linebacker Nathan Landman and nose tackle Poona Ford continue to stand out.

A body has been found in a lake during a search for a missing mother.

Rachel Booth, 38, disappeared in the early hours of Saturday after she was last seen by her family in the village of Barnton in Cheshire.

Cheshire Police earlier said officers had found a body which they believed to be Ms Booth in a lake in Oakmere after “extensive searches and appeals in the area”.

The body has not been formally identified but Ms Booth’s family has been informed and was being supported, the force said.

Police said there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and report would be prepared for the coroner.

After she disappeared, CCTV footage showed Ms Booth at Sandiway Garage of the A556 near Northwich at about 03:50 BST on Saturday.

Wild Shore Delamere, which offers outdoor activities at its lake nearby, had closed while the search commenced.

There was perhaps no better reaction than that of Dobson, who appeared stunned after coming from seemingly nowhere with 100m remaining to beat world-class competition.

Olympic and world silver medallist Hudson-Smith crossed the line second in 44.27, ahead of South Africa’s Zakithi Nene, who has run the fastest time in the world this year with 43.76.

“I don’t know what happened,” Dobson told BBC Sport.

“I got to the last 100m and I felt great. I was catching everyone. I thought to myself, ‘If I just dig really deep then I can get them’ – and I did!”

Having already clinched victory in the women’s high jump with her second-time clearance at 1.96m, Lake thrived under the gaze of the entire crowd and went close to breaking her British record with three solid attempts at 2m.

While Kerr could not deliver the record-breaking finale he hoped to, he will take lessons from his loss to Koech and has time on his side with two months until his world title defence in Tokyo.

“I should be winning those so I am frustrated,” said Kerr.

“I really wanted to show up and win for this crowd but all I can promise to them now is in a few months’ time I will be battling for a gold medal for this country. I’ll bring it home and then everyone can see what we were working towards today.”

Former 200m world champion Asher-Smith overhauled Hunt as she crossed the line in 22.25 seconds, with the ever-improving Hunt, 23, clocking 22.31.

But Olympic 100m champion Alfred proved a class above, recording the joint-ninth fastest 200m of all time as she stormed to victory in 21.71.

Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke was fourth in 22.52, with Daryll Neita sixth in 22.69.

The stunning lake has been compared to the Maldives thanks to its clear blue water and floating lodges

Kent, often referred to as the Garden of England, might not be the first place you’d think of when picturing turquoise waters and floating lodges. However, this county, known for its charming cathedrals and rugged coastlines, is also home to a lake that’s been likened to the Maldives.

St Andrews, once a chalk quarry, is now a stunning lake nestled in the Kent countryside. The water is so pure it’s almost potable, although it’s probably best not to drink it.

Located in the quaint village of Halling, the lake’s vibrant colour comes from suspended chalk particles reflecting light. While there’s a sandy beach for lounging, the lake is more famous for its array of attractions.

Visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boards and pedalos for a jaunt across the lake. Sailing courses and swimming are also on offer for those seeking a less intense activity, with the water reaching a warm 22C in summer. However, if you fancy a swim, you’ll need to complete an open water swim induction first, reports the Express.

The lake’s most renowned attractions, aside from the dazzling blue water, are the two aqua parks situated on the 70-acre lake. A new addition this summer is a towering water slide named La Jefa.

While the main aqua park welcomes visitors aged six and above, there’s also a kids’ aqua park suitable for kids between the ages of two and six.

For adults seeking a tranquil retreat, the wellness offerings include a more sophisticated tour of the lake coupled with access to invigorating facilities such as a sauna, hot tub, and plunge lagoon, complemented by premium sun loungers in the relaxation area.

But there’s also an abundance of excitement to be had on the ground; you can view the quarry from a breathtaking vantage point on the 33ft high zip wire. For additional thrills, try your hand at axe throwing, test your aim with archery, or scale the 23ft rock climbing tower.

When it’s time to wind down after a day brimming with adventure, St Andrews beckons guests to one of its serene floating lodges on the lake for an overnight getaway, each boasting their very own hot tub.

One enchanted Tripadvisor reviewer shared: “Absolutely lovely. The lodges are gorgeous and I could not get enough of sitting on the deck looking at the beautiful lake.”

Echoing the sentiment, another guest who revelled in the delights of Coots Lodge remarked: “Had Coots lodge, unreal views and stunning setting, the smallest fish I saw was 8-10lb, like being in the Maldives.”

Welcoming visitors daily from 10am, St Andrews is a mere stone’s throw away from Halling and a straightforward 40-minute drive from London; alternatively, guests can hop on a train to Halling and find themselves at the lake following a brisk 10-minute stroll.

It’s advisable to book activities in advance through the lake’s website to secure your spot, particularly during the bustling summer season.

Tomar, a Portuguese town of 20,000 that sits slap in the middle of the country, may not deliver the simple seaside charm of some of the country’s better-known holiday hotspots, but has plenty else to offer

The data has been scraped, the numbers have been crunched, and the results are in.

Tomar in Portugal has been named Europe’s best-kept secret, and therefore the perfect place for an off-the-beaten-track holiday. If you’re keen to ditch the tourist traps, then HomeToGo’s Hidden Gem Index is a good guide.

Its ranking is based on a mountain of data including accommodation cost statistics, search trends, and insights about food, scenery, and opportunities for adventure. Its off-the-beaten-path treasures include sun-soaked coastlines and breathtaking landscapes.

That is certainly the case for Tomar, a Portuguese town of 20,000 that sits slap in the middle of the country. It may not deliver the simple seaside charm of some of the country’s better-known holiday hotspots, such as those in the Algarve, but it has plenty else to offer.

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For one, it is a town of significant historical importance, replete with all of the architectural treasures and cobblestones you’d therefore expect.

Tomar was built inside the walls of the Convento de Cristo, constructed under the orders of Gualdim de Pais, the fourth Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal in the late 12th century. It was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction and one of Portugal’s historical jewels in the way it links the modern day back to a now ancient-feeling part of European culture.

Its relevance on an international level continued until the 15th century when it served as a centre of Portuguese global expansion under Henry the Navigator.

The riches that brought at that time are still visible today, especially in Tomar’s cross-shaped medieval centre. There you will find the town’s main church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and traditional shops lined with pleasant stores. In Tomar’s cafés, the delights of the local pastries can be appreciated: almond and squash queijadas (cheesecakes) and the traditional Fatias de Tomar (Tomar slices), made with just egg yolks and cooked in a bain-marie.

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Flame fans will want to visit the Convent of São Francisco, which is home to Museu dos Fósforos or the Match Museum.

Given that Portugal regularly hits the mid-30s during the summer months and is currently suffering from wildfires, a location to cool off is key. Happily, Tomar has the Castelo de Bode, one of the largest reservoirs in the country.

There you can go on a pleasant cruise with lunch on board, or choose from a wide range of water sports, as well as visit the islet on the River Tagus where Almourol Castle is located, or the riverside town of Dornes.

A break from the cultural beat can be found at Mouchão Park, home of the Mouchão Wheel. The wooden water wheel is a landmark of the city and evokes the time when mills, oil presses, and farmland along the river all contributed to Tomar’s economic prosperity.

“The Castle of Almourol is regarded as Portugal’s most beautiful castle. Situated on a small cliffy island in the middle of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of the most significant military Medieval monuments, which best evokes the memory of the Knights Templar in Portugal,” the Visit Centre of Portugal writes.

“Situated on the left bank of Tagus River, the Natural Reserve of Paul do Boquilobo follows a section of Almonda River born in the Mountain of Serra de Aire e Candeeiros that flows to the right bank of Tagus.”

Tomar is roughly a two-hour drive north of Lisbon, or a one hour train ride which costs £10. EasyJet, Tap Air Portugal, British Airways and Ryanair flies directly from London to Lisbon. There are 23 Ryanair direct flights from London to Lisbon per week. Flights are available every day.