Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim

This is the biggest single-day gathering of the Pembrokeshire year, and it happens on the coldest morning of it. Swimmers assemble on the harbour slipway at Saundersfoot in wetsuits, tinsel, superhero costumes and not very much at all, there is a countdown, and everybody runs into the water together.

The water is around 8°C. Most people are in for well under a minute. That is the correct amount of time.

Where to watch from. The harbour wall and the top of the slipway give you the run-in; the beach side gives you the crowd. Both fill up early. If you want a photograph of the moment they all hit the water, stand on the harbour arm rather than at sea level.

The honest bit. The swim lasts moments. Getting into and out of Saundersfoot takes the rest of the morning. The village car parks are full by mid-morning, the coast road backs up, and there is no realistic parking within an easy walk once things get going. Park in Tenby or at Wisemans Bridge and walk the old tramway tunnels in, or accept the queue.

If you are swimming. Bring a changing robe, a hat, warm layers, hot drinks and dry shoes for the walk back to the car. Cold water shock is real — go in steadily rather than diving, and get out before you stop shivering. Afterwards the pubs are heaving and the pubs and cafes around the harbour do a roaring trade in anything hot.

Check the organiser's page for this year's start time before you set off.