Pwll y Wrach

The walk to Pwll y Wrach rewards you with a proper wild swimming spot tucked into the Pembrokeshire hills above Newport. This small mountain lake sits in a steep-sided valley, surrounded by rough moorland and gorse - it's the kind of place that feels genuinely remote despite being just a few miles from civilisation.

Getting there means a decent hike of around 45 minutes from the nearest car park, mostly uphill through open country. The path itself is straightforward but exposed, so pick a decent day. Once you reach the water, it's dramatic - dark, cold, and ringed by high banks that funnel the wind straight at you. Swimmers do use it (locals certainly do), though the water temperature even in summer hovers around the "take your breath away" mark.

This is squarely for walkers and outdoor types rather than families after a casual afternoon out. The effort required and lack of facilities mean you need to be reasonably fit and properly prepared - bring layers and waterproofs. An hour at the lake is usually enough unless you're serious about a dip, then you'll want longer to recover afterwards.

If you're based at one of the nearby sites like Cardigan Bay Holiday Park or Llwyngwair Manor, Pwll y Wrach works as a proper adventure day rather than a quick stop. It pairs well with exploring the Preseli Hills more broadly. The isolation is the whole point - don't come expecting amenities or crowds.