'Hidden' quarry has beautiful green pool you can swim in next to iconic pub

Rosebush Quarry
-Credit: (Image: TripAdvisor)


Nestled in a quiet and picturesque corner of Wales, there lies a true hidden gem - a stunning quarry with an emerald pool, tucked away just a stone's throw from one of the country's most unique and iconic pubs.

The view you encounter as you wander through the Preseli Hills is nothing short of spectacularly breathtaking. And at the heart of these hills, you'll find the quaint village of Rosebush in Pembrokeshire.

Despite its small population of fewer than 400 residents, this charming hamlet has a knack for drawing visitors from all corners of the globe down to its awe-inspiring views, scenic walks, and the historic pub - Tafarn Sinc - which sits at the centre of the village, leaving first-time visitors truly wowed.

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Just a short stroll from this old inn, along a dusty track, you'll stumble upon something equally impressive - Rosebush Quarry. Established back in 1842 and later expanded by entrepreneur and railway director Edward Cropper in the 1870s, this quarry was once a bustling hub of activity, Wales Online reports.

A railway line, established in 1876 to transport slate from Rosebush - a small village about 12 miles north of Narberth - to London, was shut down after the slate boom ended around thirty years later. 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 walkers and, for those brave enough to follow all safety precautions, offers a chilly open-air swim. Part of its allure lies in its secluded location; it's not something you would casually come across.

Leaving Tafarn Sinc, you pass the old Post Office, built as the quarry manager's residence in 1872, and head north for about 10 minutes. You walk past the row of terraced houses once inhabited by slate workers 150 years ago and into the open countryside, with nothing but miles of hills to see.

On a clear, sunny day, the Preseli mountains provide the perfect backdrop.

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 during warmer weather. While its beauty is captivating, one can derive equal pleasure from simply sitting on the banks and admiring the view.

Adding to the allure of this location is the comforting 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. The story could have been quite different though, as Tafarn Sinc was on the brink of permanent closure in 2017.

Despite standing proudly in its spot, in all its tin-clad glory, for nearly 150 years since first opening as a hotel in 1876. This pub truly is unique: as you approach it, you feel transported to a completely different place.

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 beloved local spot known far beyond the Preseli hills.

However, when the family decided to sell, Tafarn Sinc was listed for £295,000. With no prospective buyers on the horizon, the possibility of this iconic country pub closing its doors for good became all too real.

Fortunately, Cymdeithas Tafarn Sinc, a group backed by Hollywood actor Rhys Ifans, was established in the summer of 2017 with the aim of raising enough funds to purchase the pub outright.

By October of the same year, they had successfully raised over £400,000, and the ownership of the inn transitioned from two individuals to approximately 400 community members - a true community-owned and operated pub.

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