From rock climbing in the Peak District to honing your creative writing skills in Crete, why not take a break with like minds and fellow learners this year?

Even complete beginners will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day course with Pure Outdoor. Participants will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential, but Pure Outdoor has a list of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.
£199 for two days, weekends from 7 March-8 November, plus weekday courses most months, pureoutdoor.co.uk

Continue reading...

© Photograph: PR

© Photograph: PR

© Photograph: PR

Widespread disruption is expected on the railways, with

© Simon Calder

The party destination is shedding its hedonistic image for something more refined, discovers Hannah Williams

© Getty Images/iStockphoto

A Disney World cast member heroically stopped a runaway boulder during an "Indiana Jones" stunt show malfunction that went viral. The dramatic rescue was caught on video.

Citing terrorism risks and wrongful detention threats as the war with Ukraine continues to escalate, the U.S. State Department renewed its "do not travel" warning for Russia.