A week away in February in deepest darkest Pembrokeshire (nothing eventful likely to happen there!); a few walks in the freezing cold; a few pints procured to relieve the said cold weather; and yes, that should basically sum up the holiday.

All was going well until the 14 of us, all wrapped up ready to face the Welsh weather resembling gnomes with our hats and scarves, rack up to what used to be a magnificent castle but now resembles a birthday cake gone wrong. The highlight of this pile of bricks; a 60ft deep well in the centre. So of course a few of us go, drawn to the big hole in the centre and within seconds are wondering how deep the hole really is, how many skeletons are down there and whether the water at the bottom was still drinkable? Nothing wrong with that scene - the 'castle' had already decided we had to entertain ourselves.

"Well this is a picture opportunity if ever I've seen one!" Instant mistake. The camera is pulled out of the coat pocket, followed spectacularly by the car-keys which, in slow motion and really quite poetically, tumble to the bottom of the well. A case of fireworks with the 'ooooh', 'aaaah', but less of the 'aaaah' and more of the 'ah' (substitute that for other expletives)! Within seconds, 14 sets of 'gnome' eyes are peering over the edge of a big hole, swearing profusely inbetween fits of giggles, not really understanding the new predicament: we are stranded up a giant hill in freezing temperatures, the only means of instant escape lie 60ft below the ground.

Within minutes, numerous cigarettes and an impromptu trip to a petrol station, we have a plan: a fairly large magnet, 60ft of rope and the idea we can 'fish' it out. Cue 14 'gnomes' fishing over the side of a well - that could only end well.

2 and a half hours, 14p, 1 can of drink and a log with a glowstick attached later we admit defeat and call the RAC.

Moral of the story: camera opportunities should not take place over a hole? Always carry a magnet and 60ft of rope in case of emergencies? No, probably don't lock your spare set of keys in your car!

- Jacqui Harvey