Middle Mill

The Quarry

Solva River

Middle Mill is one of those places I always return to, stayed in one of the holiday cottages in years past and of course visited the Woollen Mill and followed its fortunes. At the moment, the tearooms are under refurbishment, but there is a range of attractive things in the shop. Always liked their Welsh rugs though they seem to be keeping to the traditional 'portcullis style' pattern.

This time took photos of the old working looms, there was a lot of fluff in the shed, and a box full of bags of thrums, mostly carpet weight, so I did'nt buy. Alphaca wool for sale as well, alongside some beautifully knitted shawls.

I suspect it is a question of love and dedication rather than money that keeps the old place going, its surrounding is idyllic; the old quarry rears a dramatic edge against the blue sky, but nature is so abundant that everything is covered in green. The little river Solva still runs as strongly as ever here, Middle Mill is one of three mills that belonged to the Bishops of St.David in the 14th century, and still has a working overshot water wheel. There had been a feud for years about access to the woollen mill, up the drive of the Corn Mill (the house that went along with the mill, and separate from it) but now after a long legal battle, deliveries can be made up the drive, though the public can cross a small bridge from the car park.

There is always a feeling of serenity when you approach this small settlement, at the junction of three lanes, one of which goes up to Whitchurch, which is one of the old pilgrim churches on the way to St.David's Cathedral, a wide expanse of green meets the eye with the old three bay pack horse bridge leading to another three lanes. One that is incredibly steep up to King's Heriot, another to Llandeloy and the third to one of those particularly ugly chapels, which may have been one of the first to be built, what denomination it is escapes me.

http://www.solvawoollenmill.co.uk/