Katie-Ann Gupwell

Aisha, a Manchester-based TikTok vlogger, described her first ascent of Yr Wyddfa as painful and said the summit view was not worth the effort. Her video showed her hiking through wind and rain, with the trek taking five hours; she warned others to prepare mentally for the demanding climb while still encouraging them to go. The article also outlines Yr Wyddfa’s status as Wales’ highest mountain, its popularity, routes, visitor numbers and occasional summit queues.

Netflix’s four-episode historical miniseries Death by Lightning has prompted viewers to watch the entire series in one sitting, with particular praise for performances by Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen and Nick Offerman. Created by Mike Makowsky and adapted from Candice Millard’s book Destiny of the Republic, the drama follows President James A. Garfield’s election and presidency, his opposition to corruption and support for civil rights, and his assassination by Charles J. Guiteau. Released in November 2025, it received critical acclaim and was named one of the year’s best television series by the American Film Institute.

Pest-control experts recommend replacing plastic wheelie bins with metal containers because rats can chew through plastic to reach food. Residents are also advised to conceal food and water, avoid putting meat and dairy products in compost bins, keep compost moist, and turn it regularly to reduce the risk of attracting rats, mice, and squirrels.

Adding soaked, chopped dried porcini mushrooms while spaghetti bolognese simmers can provide extra umami depth and a richer, more complex sauce. The recipe combines the porcini with beef mince, bacon, vegetables, chestnut mushrooms, tomato purée, chopped tomatoes and pasta, with the meat browned separately before everything is simmered together.

Ryanair passengers who fail to check in online before reaching the airport may be charged a £55/€55 airport check-in fee, although the exact amount can vary by route. Ryanair advises passengers to check in online up to two hours before departure. Travel expert Mark Finley also recommends carrying printed backups of key documents, including car-hire vouchers, visa or ETA confirmations, accommodation and onward-travel evidence, insurance details and medication letters, because phones may run out of battery, lose connectivity or be stolen.

Ruben Chorlton-Owen recommends Porth Bach, a secluded beach near Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula, as an overlooked alternative to busier North Wales beaches. He praises its peaceful setting, clear water, swimming opportunities and chances of seeing dolphins or seals. The beach is dog friendly and open year-round, but visitors must check tide times because access can be difficult and there are no shops or commercial facilities.

Property owners can trim branches or roots from a neighbour’s tree or hedge that cross onto their land, but only up to the boundary and without causing serious damage. They should speak to the neighbour first, avoid entering the neighbour’s property, and offer to return any cuttings; throwing them over the fence could constitute fly-tipping. Permission from the local council may be required for trees covered by a tree preservation order or located in a conservation area, and disputes may require legal advice.

Monty Don advises dog-owning gardeners to be cautious around yew plants, particularly with puppies, while warning that dogs should never be encouraged to retrieve sticks. Drawing on an incident in which a stick pierced one of his dog's mouths and neck, he highlights risks including splinters, lacerations, airway or digestive blockages, infections and sepsis. Owners are advised to seek veterinary help if their dog develops concerning symptoms.

Welsh Hiker Dan documented an exploration of the abandoned Amman Valley Maternity Hospital in Glanamman, Carmarthenshire. The former hospital, opened in 1950 and closed in 1984, still contains rusting beds, baby cots, an incubator and other medical equipment amid extensive decay and graffiti. The report also warns that entering abandoned properties without permission can constitute trespassing and exposes visitors to serious structural and environmental hazards.

Welsh homeowners are advised to spend five minutes checking their properties for small gaps and holes that could allow rats to enter, particularly around pipework, electrical boxes, vents, doors and walls obscured by bushes. Warmer summer conditions, open windows and doors, outdoor gatherings, and accessible food can increase rat activity. Recommended measures include sealing openings with materials such as caulk, steel wool, hardware cloth or cement, covering vents, sealing door gaps under 5mm, trimming branches near roofs and gutters, and contacting a pest-control specialist if an infestation is suspected.

A BBC period drama, The Other Bennet Sister, adapted from Janice Hadlow’s novel and produced by Bad Wolf, is praised for its emotional depth, strong performances and addictive storytelling. Centered on Mary Bennet’s journey through London and the Lake District, the series highlights themes of self-discovery, friendship and romance, with standout portrayals from Ella Bruccoleri, Ruth Jones and Richard E Grant. Viewers have responded enthusiastically, sharing glowing reactions and noting the show’s authenticity and heartfelt characterisation.

Nigel Farage faced backlash after footage of him laying flowers in tribute to Ann Widdecombe was criticised as performative and inappropriate by some observers, who argued the moment appeared staged for cameras. Others defended him, noting that politicians commonly make public tributes. The incident followed confirmation of Widdecombe’s death and the arrest of a 28-year-old man in connection with the ongoing murder investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police.

A Michelin‑starred chef recommends enhancing homemade burgers by incorporating additional fat, ideally creating a 75/25 meat‑to‑fat ratio using beef fat from a butcher or by mincing fatty cuts like ribeye or sirloin. Adding fat boosts juiciness and flavour as it renders during cooking, and home cooks may also use butter or bacon for similar results. The chef advises avoiding pre‑made patties, seasoning well, searing both sides, and resting the meat before and after cooking, along with chilling formed patties for 30 minutes to help maintain texture and moisture.

Images of Princess Charlotte embracing Princess Kate after Kate completed the Three Peaks Challenge for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity prompted widespread emotional reactions, with many interpreting Charlotte’s display as evidence of the strain the family experienced during Kate’s cancer treatment. Additional photographs shared online showed Kate with Prince William and their children, generating supportive responses from the public and highlighting relief at Kate’s improved health.