Paddle boarding in Solva harbour

Explore this sheltered harbour overlooked by rocky, wooded headlands or take a coastal trip to visit wild islands nearby. Solva is a small village that sits behind the Gribin at the head of a ria, a valley drowned by the meltwaters of the last ice age. In the 19th century, the harbour served 30 boats offloading limestone for the village’s multiple limekilns. Fishing boats still use the harbour but Solva is now more ‘yachty’ and popular with walkers.

To explore the harbour, launch at high tide from the car park close to the Harbour Inn. Float below the wooded headland and past the string of moored boats towards the harbour entrance to reach Trinity Quay. Originally built to prepare construction materials for the Smalls lighthouse, today it is operated by Solva Sailing Club and is home to a popular café. A little further towards the harbour entrance you’ll see Gwadn, a pebble beach, on the left (east) side. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet picnic.

When conditions permit, explore more of the local coastline by leaving the harbour entrance, which is protected by a group of islets known as Mare, Black Scar, and Green Scar. Head right (west) and paddle to the islet of Gewni where you’ll discover a stunning sea arch at its northern tip, and then large caves within the adjacent mainland cliffs. Look out for dolphins along this stretch of coastline.

Distance 3 km to Gewni return

Paddling environment 3 within the harbour; 5 beyond harbour mouth

Access Free to launch from public slipway next to the Solva Harbour car park (next to Harbour Inn); small charge (honesty box) if using Sand Quay (no parking); launching/landing not permitted from privately-owned Trinity Quay

Starting Point  Slipway, Solva, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6UP. Grid ref. SM 805 242; What3Words resembles.increment.outline; Lat/long 51.874, -5.189

Parking  Harbour car park (aka Harbour Inn car park/charges), Main Street, Solva, SA62 6UT

Launching Slipway adjacent to car park

Pitstops Plump crab sandwiches and other picnic goodies, the Crab Shack, Bay View Stores, Solva, tel. 01437 729554; amazing selection of Welshcakes, MamGu Welshcakes, tel. 01437 454369

Lessons, hire and trips Mayberry Sea Kayaking, tel. 01348 670360 www.mayberrykayaking.co.uk ; nature-based fun with TYF Adventure, St David’s, tel. 01437 721611 www.tyf.com

Getting there Head E from St Davids on A487 (signed Haverfordwest) to Solva. Continue downhill into village and R into harbour and car park.

Special points Launch 2hrs either side of HW to avoid long walk: harbour dries out completely at low tide. Strong winds can funnel up the ria and entrance is exposed to SW winds. Coastal section is best paddled in low wind/swell. Check Surfline www.surfline.com at nearby Newgale for local conditions.