Keep cool and carry on: readers’ favourite trips to escape the heat

From the white-sand beaches of the Outer Hebrides to the Norwegian village of Hell, our tipsters know where to avoid soaring temperatures

The west coast of Ireland remains one of the best summer locations if you want to escape the heat. With temperatures rarely (if ever) above 20C and the weather rolling in straight from the Atlantic, the inevitable rain will make you appreciate the bursts of sun even more. County Sligo is one of the hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way, and Strandhill beach has everything you need for a perfect day: a decent hike up to the mysterious, mythical Queen Maeve’s Tomb (and views for days if the weather’s clear) and Shells Cafe for delicious tea and cake after a chilly Atlantic dip.
Sarah