Alastair in icy waters

Alastair survived his plunge into icy waters at Battery Rocks in Penzance.

He says: "Once I was numb it was exhilarating. I even went back in for a second dip."

The Guardian is covering the escapade and we'll let you know when video evidence appears online.

Thanks for your well-wishing and tips... The temperature on that day was 4 degrees, by the way!

Photo courtesy of The Guardian

Alastair Sawday

Tomorrow I am wading into the freezing ocean at Battery Rocks in Cornwall in the company of a stoic 70-year-old woman who swims there every day. For unmentionable reasons I feel bound to stick to the plan whatever the weather. Does anyone have any tips that might save me from agony and total humiliation?

My son Toby and Miriam perched in a tiny one-up-one-down cottage for their Cornish wedding in early July. It was so small that the bath was outside.  But all that mattered were the bed, the tiny kitchen, the view and the fun of being in someone else’s place without any responsibility.

Every year legions of couples go away for a self-catering break, but why?