A WILD swimmer and outdoor fan literally broke the ice on the new year - taking dips in frozen-over Black Mountains and Brecon Beacon lakes after smashing a hole with a kettleball.

Zoe Naughalty thinks nothing beats chilling out in freezing cold water in the Welsh hills, and headed here five times in four days from Somerset for her first icy dips of 2026, posting 'freeze frames' and 'chiller' flicks of her exploits at a frozen-over Keeper’s Pond on the Blorenge and Llyn Cwm Llwch on Pen Y Fan.

She told readers: "First ice smash of the season. The kettlebell is back baby... Would it be easier for me to buy a hammer? Absolutely.

"Will I continue to lug my kettlebell half way up a mountain for giggles? 100%.. The dopamine rush from that ice smash is like nothing I’ve ever felt... I‘ll continue to chase that icy buzz...

”Winter swim season is well and truly here and this is every wild swimmers dream... Snow capped mountains and an untouched frozen lake."

“Untamed soul” and “cold water addict" Zoe, from Weston-super-Mare, says nothing beats "chasing that icy dopamine rush".

"My favourite mountain lake. Pink sunrise skies. Untouched frozen lake. Just me and my kettlebell," she posted from Keepers Pond.

"Can we take a moment to appreciate just how thick that ice is?!

"Just 0.1 degrees today. Coldest wild swim I've done and I loved every damn minute.

"So much so, after warming myself up with coffee I got back into my cold and wet swimwear and smashed some more ice up! Until next time (tomorrow!)."

After yet another icy dip, Zoe - who also describes herself as a “paddleboard addict, sunset chaser and wannabe mermaid” – added another film saying: "Permanent high all day from the pure magic of this morning. “

Meanwhile, Zoe has spoken about “being a witchy nomad” and the link between mental and physical health on The Nomadic Podcast. See www.facebook.com/zoe.naughalty for the link.