{"id":62,"date":"2022-11-23T17:01:09","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T17:01:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wch.cottage-search.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/10\/solva\/"},"modified":"2022-11-24T09:17:20","modified_gmt":"2022-11-24T09:17:20","slug":"solva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welsh-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/solva","title":{"rendered":"Simply Stunning Solva"},"content":{"rendered":"

A charming village on St Bride\u2019s Bay, Solva is a popular holiday destination for friends and family alike.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Solva is considered to be one of the jewels of Pembrokeshire and arguably one of Wale\u2019s most beautiful locations. At high tide, Solva Harbour is often compared to a Norwegian fiord and was once one of the busiest trading ports in Pembrokeshire.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to discover just why Solva is one of our favourite villages in Pembrokeshire\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Things to do in Solva<\/h2>\n

\"Solva<\/p>\n

The village of Solva boasts a great selection of galleries, craft shops and pubs. But the main attraction has to be Solva Harbour\u2026<\/p>\n

1. Solva Harbour<\/h3>\n

Solva Harbour<\/strong> is the heart of this charming coastal village. At high tide, the beach is a narrow strip of sand but at low tide the harbour is completely dry \u2013 except for a small stream perfect for catching fish and crabs. The kids will be entertained for hours.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also find plenty of rock pools and shallow, sheltered waters perfect for a dip in St Bride\u2019s Bay<\/strong>. Just make sure you check the tide times (below) to make sure you don\u2019t get cut off by the incoming tide.<\/p>\n

2. The Gwadn<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking for somewhere even more remote, then head to The Gwadn<\/strong>, a secluded stone beach around the corner from Solva Harbour. The views across the bay are truly breathtaking.<\/p>\n

3. Middle Mill<\/h3>\n

Another must-visit attraction is Middle Mill<\/a><\/strong>, the oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire with over 100 years of weaving history. Take the mile-long walk from Solva, down the valley, along the river and you\u2019ll arrive at this popular tourist attraction.<\/p>\n

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Walks in Solva<\/h2>\n

\"Pembrokeshire<\/p>\n

The spectacular Pembrokeshire Coastal Path<\/a><\/strong> is popular with walkers, and easily accessible from both sides of Solva Harbour. Here are a few of our favourite walks in Solva…<\/p>\n

1. The Gribbin Walk<\/a><\/h3>\n

A delightful walk over\u00a0The Gribbin<\/strong>\u00a0is particularly popular and well worth the climb for the fabulous views over the Green Scar Rock and the panorama of St Brides Bay.<\/p>\n

2. Solva to Pointz Castle<\/a><\/h3>\n

Hike along the coastal path to Pointz Castle<\/strong> for some rugged coastal scenery, before returning to Solva via Lochvante and St Elvis Farm. Don\u2019t forget to stop off at Pointz Castle Ice Cream for a well-deserved treat!<\/p>\n

3. Solva to St David’s<\/a><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a dramatic cliff-top walk, then the Solva to St David\u2019s Walk<\/strong> along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is for you. Experience unspoilt cliffs, expansive views of St Bride\u2019s Bay and rural charm as you make your way to the UK\u2019s smallest city.<\/p>\n

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Upper and Lower Solva<\/h2>\n

\"Arial<\/p>\n

The village is split into Upper Solva<\/strong>, overlooking the harbour and Lower Solva<\/strong>, built along the mouth of the estuary of the River Solva (Solfach in Welsh).<\/p>\n

The harbour is tidal and extremely popular with boating enthusiasts. As well as being a safe harbour for local fishing, the rocks at the entrance to Solva Harbour made it one of the most sheltered anchorages in St Brides Bay.<\/p>\n

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Solva’s History<\/h2>\n

\"Boats<\/p>\n

Solva Port<\/h3>\n

Solva was originally a very busy port and considered the main trading centre of St Brides Bay. During the 18th Century, Solva was a shipping port involved in the transportation of corn to other areas of Wales and Bristol.<\/p>\n

Limestone and coal were both transported to the harbour in flat-bottomed boats. Warehouses and limekilns were eventually developed, which you can still see today and are thought to be over 200 years old. As recently as the 19th century, Solva had around 30 registered trading ships. The fading coastal trade was eventually replaced by tourism and the harbour became a place of leisure.<\/p>\n

Small’s Lighthouse<\/h3>\n

Britain’s first-ever piled lighthouse, Smalls Lighthouse, was erected in 1776 on a dangerous reef known as The Smalls. The original lighthouse was created in Solva Harbour and stood on nine oak pillars, allowing the sea to pass through beneath. The lighthouse stood for 80 years before it needed replacing.<\/p>\n

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Where is Solva?<\/h2>\n

Solva village lies on the north side of St Brides Bay in North Pembrokeshire just 3 miles from\u00a0St David\u2019s<\/a> and 4 miles from\u00a0Newgale<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Solva is set within the Pembrokeshire National Park and lies directly on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path<\/a>.<\/p>\n