At sunset, over a stretch of water, there is an optical illusion, that in its way feels quite profound. That is the shining down over the water creating a golden path, that looks as if it’s coming right towards you, no matter where you stand as you gaze over it. In this moment it becomes easy to feel as if the only person on the planet, that it is working just for you. When used to crowded cities it is a moving experience, making a perfect moment for contemplative reflection removed from the silent chaos and endless distractions of the modern metropolis.

If looking for stretches of water in England then the best place to look is the Lake District. The name is misleading, it correctly promises water, though there is only one lake in the region. Instead you will find an assortment of meres, waters and tarns, that differentiate, in an archetypal sense, from the geographical construction of the lake. While Windermere or Ullswater may be the first to pop in to many minds, it is Bassenthwaite Lake that is the only lake in the region.

I remember Windermere best. Firstly from a school residential with an overzealous Physical Education teacher who seemed to think that pneumonia was a right of passage for every 13 year old as he insists on kayaking on an gray October’s day, over 3° C water with a wind that blows right through you. It felt like connecting with nature on a deep level. There’s a density to the water and it feels as if simultaneously working with the water, and against it. Then there’s the full unity of capsizing, inevitably and in truth, purposefully, somehow the appeal is just too strong. A few hours later a dry towel and radiator seem a truly deserved commodity. Chattering teeth are gradually silenced by mugs of hot chocolate.

Then there’s Windermere in the summer. A whole different location, flowing with an energy as the sun light shimmers on the water’s surface. In this season the mere fills with families searching for a natural place to swim, rather than chlorine filled swimming pool. It almost takes on the atmosphere of seaside beach, with tourists voices echoing in the fells and mounds of the Cumbrian landscape.

The landscape here is filled with climbing hills that seem almost in competition, though the tallest is Scafell Pike which stands nearly a kilometre tall at 978m. This creates some of the most beautiful views in the whole country, in the summer eyes travel as far as they can go, over the bumps, over the waters, right to the horizon. On grayer Autumn days, there is the wind blowing in your face with smatterings of rain and you can feel the elements that have sculpted this noble, rugged landscape.

Such an environment has made a cottage in the Lake District a perfect destination for adventurers, there is the appeal of the water and boats, yet there is also the appeal of the hills and the rocks. For hiking you get to really engage with the land, trawling through, and witnessing its spectacle. Yet others know the Lake District as the ‘birthplace of modern rock climbing’, proliferated here in the 19th Century by Walter Perry Haskett Smith, bringing publicity to the practice by ascending Napes Needle, here in the Lake District. If you are not afraid of heights this is a great way to interact with nature, to attempt to somehow overcome it, by transcending the vertical terrain.

Combining the terrain and the water of the district is gorge walking. This is certainly an activity for the summer, hospital beds await any that would attempt this in the winter. It’s a strange experience, the idea of walking through a beck isn’t something you’d do to get to work, but it’s a lot of fun, and offers a good amount of sights. Feeling a real accomplishment to have scaled some of the slippery rocks, up the stream.

For adventurers and more refined types the lake district is a great destination. It offers a great deal of outdoor activities, but if that’s not really your thing then it is easy to see how these landscapes have inspired so much culture from the likes of William Wordsworth and Thomas Dequincy.

Mijas Costa belongs to the municipality of Mijas in the Malaga province of Andalucia. Mijas Costa lie in the heart of Costa del Sol. Mijas Costa is present in the southern region of Spain and has once been a major cultural hub. The place has Mediterranean type of climate with dry and hot summers, and cool and wet winters. It’s easy to reach Mijas costa from Malaga international Airport. From whichever country you are flying, you can take a direct flight to Madrid and reach Malaga by Talgo train. The train is extremely fast and will take you through some magnificent scenery.

The main residential and commercial area of Malaga happens to be Mijas Costa and it is known for an old world charm, white villages and pueblos blancos. You’ll be able to ride a donkey taxi and have a traditional view of this beautiful city. The donkey taxi will take you through small and narrow cobbled stone streets and also have a fantastic view of old whitewashed houses that have red tiled roofs. These houses line each other and create a beautiful example of old Spanish living. Mijas Costa has a 12 km. coastline and includes beaches like La Cala, Calahonda and El Chaparral.

The La Cala beach happens to be among the best beaches of southern Spain and is a well-known tourist destination. You can indulge in water and jet skiing and also parasail along the beautiful white sandy beaches. A number of restaurants line the beach and offer local beverages like tinto de verano and fresh seafood.

Although, La Cala is situated in a major commercial area but it maintains an old world fishing village charm that will surely attract you. If you visit La Cala on Saturday or Wednesday, you’ll be able to enjoy the street markets of vegetables, flowers, fresh fruits and local artwork and craftwork. During summers on Saturday, you can stick around on the beach for late and enjoyed Flamenco Festival.

You must visit the village of Mijas that sits high on the mountains and offers a magnificent view of beaches and villages below. If you have kids along, you can visit Mijas Water Park and have fun in rides and waterslides. There are plenty of places to indulge in shopping in Mijas Costa.

It finds some amazing fashion boutiques near Alameda. You can also check out lawn bowling in one of the Lawn Bowls clubs of Malaga. You can also enjoy the Malaga tour bus as it is and inexpensive day off sightseeing in the whole area.