Rosebush Quarry: A low-effort, high-reward wild swim in Pembrokeshire
After all your salty coastal adventures around Pembrokeshire, Rosebush Quarry is a perfect inland spot to change things up with some fresh water. Just a short walk from the village, this old slate pit is now a calm, clear swimming hole surrounded by cliffs and greenery. It’s easy to reach, peaceful, and great for a quick dip or a more relaxed swim - no long hike required.
Getting there & parking
There’s a free gravel car park in Rosebush village (easily found here on Google Maps), which had plenty of space when we visited on a late spring evening. Nearby, you’ll find the Tafarn Sinc pub and a children’s playground—great for a post-swim pint or letting little ones run around.
From the car park, it’s just a few hundred metres to the quarry trail. We asked a few friendly people we saw in dryrobes walking back to point us in the right direction!
The walk to the quarry
Distance: Aprox. 700 m (0.4 mi) each way
Difficulty: Easy - mostly flat with a short uphill section near the end
Start by walking past the cottages on the right and onto the bridleway behind them. After about 500m, you’ll spot the gravel path that veers uphill next to a slate heap. From there, it’s a short 180m walk to the quarry.
We did take a couple of wrong turns (expect a few dead ends!), but finding the pool felt like striking gold.
One of the get in points to the right
Looking back at the path that leads to the pool
The quarry & swimming
Rosebush Quarry feels wild and peaceful, with tall rock walls, overhanging trees, and ferns adding to the atmosphere. The water is deep and clear, great for a proper swim or a quick dip. There’s plenty of flat space around the edges for a picnic, and getting in is easy - no awkward scrambles, just a gentle slate slope into the water.
We were expecting icy temperatures (as quarries often are), but it was surprisingly manageable - cool and refreshing, but not unbearable. That said, it’ll definitely be colder in winter.
We caught a moment of evening sun that lit up the water with a green/blue glow. We had the place to ourselves the majority of the time but suspect it probably gets busier on warm summer days and weekends!
Could clearly see the bottom and stand at the edge
Safety & practical tips
Cold water: The water is cold, especially outside of summer - ease in slowly and allow time to acclimatise.
Depth: The pool is deep in the centre, so stay close to the edge if you're not a confident swimmer.
Slate & cliffs: Avoid climbing slate or getting too close to cliff edges. The rock can be loose or slippery.
What to bring: A wetsuit, swim shoes, or gloves are helpful in cooler months. If you are new to wild swimming, check out this blog post here: How to get started with wild swimming.
Leave no trace: The area was spotless when we visited - let’s keep it that way. Take all your rubbish home.
After the swim
When you're done, retrace your steps or explore the nearby slate heaps and ruins. Then head to Tafarn Sinc for a drink or snack, or let the kids burn off the last of their energy at the playground by the car park.
Rosebush Quarry is a fantastic low-effort, high-reward wild swimming spot. It’s peaceful, easy to reach, and offers crystal-clear water with a tucked-away feel. Whether you visit on a quiet morning or during golden hour in the evening, it’s a magical place to cool off and unwind.
