Although I have generally gone off the term ‘wild’ swimming, Llyn Cau, on the ascent up Cadair Idris, might actually be exactly what is on offer. On a recent trip to Cymru, four of us marched up the 350m ascent through the cloud and drizzle to reach the lake. There was so much overhanging mist and cloud that we only saw the lake when we were almost on top of it. My daughter and her friend were the first ones in, and I followed with a bit more neoprene protection. It was gorgeous but incredibly cold. Underneath the surface, the visibility was excellent, and the sheer drop to an unfathomable depth was clear to see. Legend has it that it is actually bottomless, with a water dragon somewhere deep below. Heading back down Cadair Idris, I kept meeting others who were heading for the same spot, with an eagerness and determination. What struck me was how several asked me in a classic understatement if the water was fresh. Not, ‘Is it cold?’ or ‘Did you scream?’, but simply, ‘Is it fresh?’ I love that.

I’ve included a photo from the day alongside a photo from a trip my wife made many years previously for contrast.