Zahna Eklund

Spain’s Caminito del Rey, once regarded as the world’s most dangerous hike because of its crumbling paths and exposed cliffs, has been restored into a safe and popular 8-kilometre walkway above the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge in Málaga. The route features cliffside boardwalks, a suspension bridge and views from up to 100 metres above the gorge, with wildlife including vultures, eagles, wild boar and mountain goats. Visitors should allow three to four hours, book tickets in advance, use the shuttle bus at the finish, and note that children under eight are not permitted.

Citric acid, available in powder form for about £2.50, is presented as an effective alternative to vinegar for removing limescale from kettles. The recommended method is to fill the kettle roughly one-quarter full with water, add about half a box of citric acid, boil it, let it cool, and rinse it. The technique is especially relevant in hard-water areas, where limescale can damage kettles and increase energy use.

The UK will experience a deep partial solar eclipse on 12 August, with the Moon expected to cover about 90% of the Sun—making it the most significant UK eclipse since the total eclipse of 1999. The eclipse will begin around 6pm BST, peak near 7pm and end around 8pm, though timings vary by location. Viewers should choose a site with an unobstructed western horizon because the Sun will be low in the evening sky, and must wear certified eclipse glasses throughout. The event will cause noticeable changes in light and temperature but will not make the sky completely dark; totality will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain.

People in the UK who receive a suspicious call claiming to be from their bank are advised to hang up, wait for the call to disconnect, and dial 159. The service, established by Stop Scams UK in 2021, connects callers safely with their bank’s customer service or fraud team so they can verify the call and report suspicious activity without sharing personal information or security codes with scammers. Calls cost the national rate, and more than one million calls had reportedly been made through the service.

The BBC sitcom Ann Droid, created and written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall, follows Sue, a recently widowed woman, and Linda, a secondhand humanoid elder-care robot bought by Sue’s son Michael. Viewers have praised the six-part series for combining comedy with a sensitive treatment of grief, with many calling for a second season after binge-watching it. The series stars Morgan, Sue Johnston and Paul Ready, is available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and had not yet been confirmed for renewal.

Covering windows with kitchen foil can noticeably reduce indoor temperatures during heatwaves, lowering a hot bedroom from 28°C to 26°C within hours and improving sleep comfort. While safe from a health standpoint, experts caution that foil should be placed outside the window to avoid overheating the glass and damaging window seals, a step that can be impractical for upper floors. Although effective, a simple fan may still be a more convenient solution.

A cleaning expert recommends deterring flies by placing cloves inside a halved lemon and leaving it on windowsills or in kitchens, as the citrus compound limonene and the clove compound eugenol disrupt the insects’ ability to locate food. Additional methods include simmering lemon, cloves, and vanilla for a strong scent, using essential-oil sprays, maintaining cleanliness, and eliminating outdoor attractants. Interior designer Keely Smith explains that the intense combined aromas overwhelm flies’ senses, making the area inhospitable.

Warm summer weather increases fly activity, raising the risk of maggots in household bins. A social media home‑tips creator recommends sprinkling cayenne pepper and cinnamon in the bottom of bins, explaining that capsaicin repels flies and cinnamon disrupts their ability to lay eggs. The article notes scientific reasons behind the method and offers additional natural deterrents such as herbs, coffee grounds, and certain plants, along with advice on maintaining cleanliness to prevent fly infestations.

Harriet Cowan humorously wished mild misfortune on outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he prepares to leave office, a sentiment that resonated with commenters after significant past tensions between farmers and Labour policies. Cowan, known from Clarkson's Farm, has gained public attention for her farming skills, direct personality, and efforts to challenge stereotypes about female farmers while maintaining a modest, work-focused lifestyle.

A culinary student advises against refrigerating tomatoes because cold temperatures damage the enzymes responsible for flavor. Storing tomatoes stem side down on the counter helps preserve sweetness, juiciness, and shelf life by reducing moisture loss and blocking bacteria. Commenters responded positively, though some noted it may not work in hot, humid climates. Guidance is also provided for handling unripe and ripe tomatoes to maximise taste and longevity.