Unusual events in Wales.

Wales can turn a bike ride, a bog and a horse into three rather different sporting challenges. Llanwrtyd Wells is a fine place to start: its events include bog snorkelling, Man v Horse, the Real Ale Wobble and mountain-bike chariot racing. Each has its own practical demands, so decide whether you're entering or watching before the name runs away with you. The muddy photo is only part of the outing; knowing how the competition works makes the rest far more fun.

For a different pace, follow the Mari Lwyd traditions at Chepstow or Llangynwyd. The striking horse’s head is what catches your eye, but the songs, encounters and people carrying the custom matter just as much. Read the guide for the particular event, because each Mari Lwyd appearance is its own occasion, not one travelling show. They belong to communities and occasions, so your role as a visitor may be to listen and watch rather than join in with everything.

The festive calendar offers lots of ways to stay firmly on dry land while enjoying someone else's exertions. Tenby and Saundersfoot each run their own sea swims, while Mountain Ash’s Nos Galan combines road races with the Mystery Runner tradition. Cilgerran’s coracle races add another distinctive Welsh craft to the sporting mix. Entry rules, supervision and fundraising conditions are set by each event, and a ticket, costume or good cause for one won't sign you up for anything else on this page.

Use the map to pick a place you'd like to spend time in, then open its guide for the details that turn an idea into a visit. The coast, a Valleys town and a route through mid-Wales are very different settings. Check the next edition's date, the organiser's current instructions and any onward journey before you commit. Where only the usual season is known, there's still a tradition well worth discovering; just keep your travel plans flexible until the missing details appear.