Latest news with #Icelandair
Metro
7 days ago
- Metro
UK updates travel advice for Iceland after volcano erupts again
The Sundhnúkur volcano has erupted near Reykjavik, the 12th volcanic eruption in Iceland since 2021. The North Atlantic island nation is on high alert after glowing orange lava spewed across the Reykjanes Peninsula and smoke belched into the sky. People were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon, a luxury geothermal spa resort, and the nearby fishing town of Grindavik in the early hours of this morning, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said. Now, holidaymakers ae wondering if it's safe to travel to Iceland right now — or whether they'd be safer to reschedule their trip. The Foreign Office updated its guidance on travel to Iceland first thing this morning. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. It warned of a 'series of volcanic eruptions' in the southwest of the country, and told travellers to follow the advice of local authorities. It's worth noting that because the Foreign Office has not advised against travel to Iceland, you won't qualify for a refund if you decide to cancel your trip. Travel insurance is unlikely to help, either. Insurers will argue there is no reason not to go. Reykjavik's Keflavik airport is open and flights appear to be operating normally. As of 8:30am on Wednesday, several regional Icelandair flights are due to arrive and depart in the next two hours. We'll keep an eye on FlightRadar and update this article if anything changes. The iconic Blue Lagoon, a five-star geothermal spa that's popular with British tourists, is closed. The resort doubles as a hotel with 60 rooms, plus a Michelin star restaurant and a private lagoon for VIPs. It has been forced to close many times over the past four years, when seismic activity restarted in the Reykjanes Peninsula. In May last year, barriers were erected around the site and in the town of Grindavik in a bid to protect communities from magma. Recently, quite common. Iceland, which is often referred to as the land of ice and fire, has recorded a dozen volcanic eruptions since geological systems on its Reykjanes Peninsula reactivated four years ago. So far, the Reykjanes eruptions have not posed a threat to the capital Reykjavik, nor have they caused air traffic disruptions, unlike the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. More Trending You might remember that one: planes were grounded across Northern Europe and parts of the Mediterranean as far south as southern Spain for almost a week. Due to increased seismic activity, Grindavik has become a ghost town. The fishing spot was home to almost 4,000 people before an evacuation order was issued in 2023. Today, it is largely deserted because of the threat of earthquakes and lava flows. MORE: The 7 things I wish I knew before attending Europe's biggest Pride MORE: Wizz Air axes flights from massive Middle East hub forcing customers to rebook MORE: Multiple holidaymakers struck by lightning on Florida beach with one critically injured
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Scotsman
Scotland's hidden gem: Loch an Eilein named one of UK's best-kept wild swimming secret
With the UK facing another heatwave, 1 in 4 Brits are now planning holidays focused on reconnecting with nature—especially water. New research from Icelandair shows that in 2025, travellers are seeking calm, space, and natural escapes from heat and stress. In Scotland, 71% say nature supports their mental health, and 58% are drawn to fresh air and clean environments. Nearly 40% can't relax unless near water, and 35% are choosing trips near lakes, hot springs, or the sea. To help, Icelandair has highlighted 10 secluded UK wild swimming spots for cooling off this summer. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Top 10 hidden wild swimming spots in the UK New research from Icelandair reveals that half of Brits (50%) now prioritise rest and relaxation when booking holidays, with almost 7 in 10 (68%) saying they feel much more mentally refreshed after spending time in nature than in the city. A survey of 2,000 people across the UK highlights the nation's strong connection to nature, with two-thirds (66%) saying they feel the urge to visit green spaces every four weeks, and almost as many (65%) admitting they're craving the outdoors in general. Being close to water is also key, as 4 in 10 (40%) say they can't relax unless they're near it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Women Swimming For those seeking peace away from the crowds — from mountain lakes to quiet countryside rivers — Icelandair has uncovered 10 of the UK's most secluded wild swimming spots, each with surprisingly low monthly Google search volumes. 1. Llyn Gaslyn, Snowdonia, Wales Tucked away beneath the summit of Snowdon, with 0 monthly searches Completely off the radar — with no Google searches or TripAdvisor reviews — Llyn Gaslyn is a truly untouched mountain lake ideal for those seeking solitude in nature. Accessed via the Miners' Track, it offers a bracingly cold but incredibly refreshing dip at around 600m above sea level. Loch an Eilein 2. Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms, Scotland Just 40 monthly searches despite its fairytale setting Set within the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorms National Park and overlooked by the ruins of a 13th-century castle, Loch an Eilein is a serene haven. Surrounded by nature and with few crowds, its low visibility online makes it a well-kept secret for Scottish wild swimmers. Just pack a wetsuit — summer temperatures here rarely rise above 12 °C. 3. Lough Shannagh, Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland A tranquil upland lake with 480 monthly searches Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A peaceful escape high in the Mournes, Lough Shannagh is a glacial lake often overlooked in favour of lower, more accessible bodies of water. The reward for the hike? Still waters, mountain views, and total calm — ideal for mindfulness and digital detoxing. It's a fantastic stepping stone to more dramatic geothermal dips abroad. 4. River Lugg, Herefordshire, England Flowing gently through hidden countryside with 720 monthly searches One of England's lesser-known rivers, the River Lugg meanders through scenic, unspoiled landscapes, offering a cooling escape in the heart of the countryside. Easy to access yet far from tourist routes, it's a great spot for a low-effort wild swim, surrounded by birdsong, meadows, and zero stress. 5. Llyn Llydaw, Snowdon, Wales Wales' high-altitude gem with 880 monthly searches Sitting on the flanks of Mount Snowdon, Llyn Llydaw is one of Wales' most picturesque mountain lakes — and yet still relatively undiscovered. The water here stays chilly even in July, but its remoteness and clear alpine views make it worth the plunge. 5. River Waveney, Suffolk, England A peaceful border river with 880 monthly searches Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Straddling the Norfolk-Suffolk border, the River Waveney offers gentle, meandering swims through reed beds, meadows and wildlife-rich countryside. Known to locals but still far from tourist-heavy areas, it's ideal for those looking to cool off without the chaos of busy lidos or packed beaches. With calm currents and idyllic picnic spots, it's the perfect family-friendly wild swim. Doctor reveals lesser-known health benefits of wild swimming Icelandair spoke exclusively with Dr Hana Patel, UK based GP, who has outlined 5 lesser-known health benefits of wild swimming: 1. Activation of Brown Fat Cold water activates brown adipose tissue, a type of fat that burns calories to keep you warm. Unlike white fat, brown fat may help regulate body weight and improve metabolic health, making wild swims a natural metabolic booster. 2. Hormetic Stress Adaptation Wild swimming is a form of hormesis — a mild stressor that strengthens the body's response to bigger stress. Just like lifting weights or fasting, it challenges your system to adapt, making you more resilient over time, both physically and mentally. 3. Improved Sleep Quality Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After a wild swim, the body tends to cool down and regulate circadian rhythms, promoting deeper sleep. Many regular cold-water swimmers report falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed. 4. Enhanced Lymphatic Drainage The contraction and relaxation of muscles in cold water — combined with hydrostatic pressure — stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to flush out toxins and reduce swelling or bloating. 5. Increased Skin Circulation & Glow Cold water boosts skin blood flow, leading to a healthy flush and improved skin tone. Some swimmers also report clearer skin, potentially due to reduced inflammation and natural exfoliation from mineral-rich waters.
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Fairytale' Scottish loch named one of UK's best wild swimming spots as temperatures soar
Read on to find out the lesser-known health benefits of wild swimming DIVE IN 'Fairytale' Scottish loch named one of UK's best wild swimming spots as temperatures soar Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A "FAIRYTALE" Scots loch has been named in a list of the UK's best-kept wild swimming secrets. As temperatures soar this weekend, many of us will be looking to cool off and recharge our batteries. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A "fairytale" loch has been named in a list of the UK's best wild swimming spots Credit: Alamy 3 Loch an Eilein in the Cairngorms is a picturesque bolthole with a castle Credit: Alamy 3 Researchers described it as a "serene haven" for visitors Credit: Alamy New research from Icelandair revealed 71 per cent of Scots need time in natural surroundings each month to support their mental health. For those seeking peace away from the crowds — from mountain lakes to quiet countryside rivers — the study uncovered 10 of the UK's most secluded wild swimming spots. A stunning Scottish loch described as a "serene haven" came in at second place in the list. Loch an Eilein in the Cairngorms is a picturesque bolthole complete with a 13th-century island castle. It is no surprise the beautiful location was voted Britain's Best Picnic Spot. Researchers said: "Set within the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorms National Park and overlooked by the ruins of a 13th-century castle, Loch an Eilein is a serene haven. "Surrounded by nature and with few crowds, its low visibility online makes it a well-kept secret for Scottish wild swimmers. "Just pack a wetsuit — summer temperatures here rarely rise above 12 C." Llyn Gaslyn in Snowdonia, Wales, took the top spot and was hailed as an "untouched mountain lake". Icelandair spoke with Dr Hana Patel, a UK-based GP, who outlined five lesser-known health benefits of wild swimming: Exploring the UK's Natural Wonderlands: Top 5 National Parks 1. Activation of Brown Fat Cold water activates brown adipose tissue, a type of fat that burns calories to keep you warm. Unlike white fat, brown fat may help regulate body weight and improve metabolic health, making wild swims a natural metabolic booster. 2. Hormetic Stress Adaptation Wild swimming is a form of hormesis — a mild stressor that strengthens the body's response to bigger stress. Just like lifting weights or fasting, it challenges your system to adapt, making you more resilient over time, both physically and mentally. 3. Improved Sleep Quality After a wild swim, the body tends to cool down and regulate circadian rhythms, promoting deeper sleep. Many regular cold-water swimmers report falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed. 4. Enhanced Lymphatic Drainage The contraction and relaxation of muscles in cold water — combined with hydrostatic pressure — stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to flush out toxins and reduce swelling or bloating. 5. Increased Skin Circulation & Glow Cold water boosts skin blood flow, leading to a healthy flush and improved skin tone. Some swimmers also report clearer skin, potentially due to reduced inflammation and natural exfoliation from mineral-rich waters.
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish loch with mysterious castle in its centre named country's best kept secret
Loch an Eilein in the Cairngorms has been named Scotland's best kept wild swimming secret, with its peaceful setting and an island castle in its middle A journey through the Highlands of Scotland often promises dramatic loch-side views, but hidden among the vast glens and ancient forests are lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. One of them, Loch an Eilein, has just been named Scotland's 'best kept secret' for wild swimming by Icelandair. Tucked away in the heart of Rothiemurchus Forest near Aviemore, within the stunning Cairngorms National Park, Loch an Eilein, meaning "Loch of the Island" in Gaelic, offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of serenity that's hard to match. A ruined castle stands on an island at its centre, adding a touch of mystery and romance to the already spellbinding setting. With the UK facing yet another stretch of high temperatures, it's no surprise that more and more travellers are looking to cool off in natural surroundings. According to new research by Icelandair, one in four Brits are planning holidays around reconnecting with nature, particularly water. Their report, which reveals the top travel trends for 2025, highlights the rising desire for calm, space and a digital detox. Among Scots surveyed, 71 percent said they need time in nature every month to support their mental health. Over half pointed to clean air and a fresh environment as the top motivators when choosing a holiday spot. The findings also showed: 39 percent of Scots say they can't fully relax unless they're in or near water 35 percent are deliberately choosing destinations close to lakes, hot springs or the sea 40 percent are avoiding busy resorts in favour of peaceful, crowd-free escapes As the popularity of wild swimming surges, Icelandair has compiled a list of the UK's most secluded spots to take a dip, and Loch an Eilein ranks among the most scenic. With few online mentions and surrounded by quiet woodland, it's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. 'Set within the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorms National Park and overlooked by the ruins of a 13th-century castle, Loch an Eilein is a serene haven,' the airline said. 'Surrounded by nature and with few crowds, its low visibility online makes it a well-kept secret for Scottish wild swimmers. Just pack a wetsuit, summer temperatures here rarely rise above 12C.' The loch's atmospheric ruins date back to the 13th or 14th century and are thought to have been built as a refuge from feuding clan war bands. It played a small role during the religious conflicts of the 1600s and was besieged in 1690 by Jacobite forces retreating after the Battle of Cromdale. At the time, it was sheltering women, children and the elderly from nearby communities. According to legend, the attackers were repelled with the help of Dame Grizel Mor Grant, nicknamed 'Big Grace', the formidable widow of the fifth laird of Grant. Another local tale suggests the island was once connected to the mainland by a causeway that was later submerged after a dam was built in the 18th century. Today, Loch an Eilein is not only a sanctuary for birdlife but also widely regarded as one of the best picnic spots in the country. Less than a mile in length, the gentle circular walk around the water is a favourite with visitors, and nearby the independent White Croft Company shop provides refreshments and handmade gifts. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. On TripAdvisor, one visitor wrote: 'Absolutely beautiful, almost picture perfect.' Another review simply read: 'Beautiful. Serene. Piney. Not a difficult walk. Lovely experience.' Loch an Eilein was one of ten locations highlighted by Icelandair in its roundup of the UK's most hidden wild swimming destinations. Other entries include Llyn Glaslyn in Snowdonia, Lough Shannagh in the Mourne Mountains, and the River Lugg in Herefordshire. With international travellers also searching for peace, space and wild water, Icelandair suggests the perfect cooling-off trip could begin in Scotland's lochs before continuing on to Iceland's geothermal rivers or Croatia's emerald swimming holes.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
Jet met by fire engines after making emergency landing at Manchester Airport
A plane bound for Iceland was met by fire engines after making an emergency landing at Manchester Airport. The Icelandair flight from Paris to Keflavik was diverted after declaring an emergency while in UK airspace. It left Paris Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on Friday afternoon having been delayed by more than five hours. But around one hour after take-off, pilots declared a general emergency and started the descent near Liverpool, before landing at Manchester at around 4pm. On arrival the Boeing 767 was met by several fire engines on the runway. READ MORE: "I can't change it, but wow am I paying for it": Mum gets STUCK in Turkey after making 'worst mistake of my life' in hotel room while drunk with boyfriend READ MORE: 'All hail the King': Hundreds pay respects to 'Manchester legend' Arthur Donnelly at Wythenshawe funeral A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "At just before 4pm today, firefighters were called to an incident involving an aircraft making an emergency landing at Manchester Airport. Three fire engines from Withington and Wythenshawe, the Technical Response Unit and Command Support Unit from Ashton arrived quickly at the scene. "Working alongside Manchester Airport fire personnel, firefighters were on standby for the aircraft's arrival, which landed safely. Crews were in attendance for approximately 35 minutes." The reason for the emergency is not known at this stage. Icelandair has been contacted for a comment. Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
