Nestled in a serene and picturesque corner of the UK, you'll discover a stunning hidden quarry that is perfect for swimming in - just a stone's throw away from one of the most distinctive and unique pubs in Wales. While Pen y Fan and Eryri often steal the limelight when it comes to Welsh mountains, the Preseli Hills offer a view that is equally, if not more, breathtaking. At the heart of these hills lies the quaint village of Rosebush in Pembrokeshire.
Despite its small population of less than 400 people, according to the latest census, it has a knack for drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. This is largely due to the spectacular views, walking trails, and the historic pub - Tafarn Sinc - located at the centre of the village, which never fails to amaze first-time visitors. READ MORE: Autumn walk in beautiful village with stunning views and a cosy pub at the end Just a short stroll from this old inn, along a dusty path, you'll find something equally awe-inspiring.
The Rosebush Quarry, established as far back as 1842 and expanded by entrepreneur and railway director Edward Cropper in the 1870s, Wales Online reports. The railway line ceased operations for passengers in 1937 and for freight trains just over ten years later. The now flooded quarry serves as a hidden treasure for countryside walk enthusiasts and those daring enough to take a chilly open-air swim.
Part of its allure lies in its secluded location; it's not something one would accidentally come across. Leaving Tafarn Sinc, you pass the old Post Office, originally built as the quarry manager's residence in 1872, and head north for about 10 minutes. You'll pass the row of terraced houses once inhabited by slate workers 150 years ago, leading into the open countryside.
With nothing but miles of hills to see, the Preseli mountains provide a stunning backdrop on a clear, sunny day. You'll eventually stumble upon a clearing in the dense foliage to your right, revealing the towering former quarry. Following this path around and down will lead you to the heart of the quarry, now transformed into an idyllic wild swimming spot filled with emerald-green water, offering peace and tranquility.
However, a word of caution for all wild swimmers - the water can be deceptively deep and chillingly cold, even on warm days. While its beauty is tempting, one can derive equal pleasure from simply sitting on the banks and admiring the view. Adding to the charm of this location is the knowledge that despite feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere, you're just a short stroll away from one of Wales' finest pubs - the perfect place to warm up after a hike or swim.
But it's worth noting that Tafarn Sinc almost shut its doors permanently in 2017, despite standing proudly in its spot for nearly 150 years, having first opened as a hotel in 1876. This pub truly is unique: as you approach, you'll feel as though you've been transported somewhere entirely different. The Llewelyn family had been the proud owners of the pub for 25 years.
Brian and Brenda purchased the dilapidated establishment in 1992, and their daughter Hafwen and her husband Brian took over the reins, transforming it into a magical place known far beyond the Preseli hills. However, when the family decided to sell, Tafarn Sinc was listed for £295,000. With no potential buyers on the horizon, the beloved pub faced the risk of closure Fortunately, Cymdeithas Tafarn Sinc, a group backed by Hollywood star Rhys Ifans, was established in the summer of 2017 with the aim of raising enough funds to purchase the pub.
By October that year, they had amassed more than £400,000, and the inn transitioned from having two owners to approximately 400 - a true community pub, owned and operated by the community. If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here.
