SOLVA

Landowner

The National Trust, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park manages the car park and picnic site.
The foreshore, moorings and quay are managed by Solva Boat Owners Association.

Facilities

Car Park.
Public Toilets.
Public Telephone.
Picnic Area.
Slipways.
Moorings.
Pubs, shops, Cafes etc in village.

Description

Solva lies within the St. David’s Peninsula Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest, designated for both its geological and bilogical interest. Solva Harbour is particularly important for its geological interest; it is a good example of a Ria which is a meltwater channel from the glacial age which has subsequently been drowned.
The rocks in the area also show fine examples of fossils from the Cambrian age.
The history of Solva is also important, it started as a small port in the 1300’s and developed into a major trading centre in the St. Bride’s Bay area by the 1880’s.
Solva was the lime burning centre for the St. David’s Peninsula in Victorian times when there were 10 kilns in operation, some of these can be seen on the East Side of the Harbour.
There is also evidence of an Iron Age fort and settlement on the ridge known as ‘The Gribin’, on the East Side of the harbour.
Today the harbour is used mainly by pleasure boats.

Activities

Diving. This has long been a popular launch site. The slipways are under the control of the Solva Boat Owners and a charge is made. The harbour completely dries at low water making retrieval of large dive boats impossible. Do not park on the Trinity Quay. For further advice or information please contact the harbourmaster.
Kayaking. At highwater, Solva harbour offers a safe and sheltered paddle for the novice while outside the dramatic cliffs offer wonderful touring opportunities for the more experienced. If launching from the Trinity Quay or Sand Quay then a fee is payable to the Solva Boat Owners.
Dinghy Sailing. A small fleet of dinghies operate from Solva and with care the harbour is suitable for use by visitors, however, seek local advice regarding likely sea conditions before venturing outside the harbour.

Important Information

National Trust and National Park byelaws apply to the site. Pembrokeshire County Council byelaws apply on the water, including an 8 knot speed limit.
Those studying the geology of the site should not use hammers and samples should not be removed.
Groups wishing to use the area as a field studies site should first contact the National Trust.
All hose using the tidal zone should be aware of its movements for the day.
Dogs should be kept under control to avoid disturbance to livestock and wildlife.
No cycling is allowed except on roads or bridleways.
The slipways should be kept clear at all times.
The car park slip can only be used for launching at high tide.
Details of tidal states for launching from other slips can be gained from the Boat Owners Association.
There is limited parking at the boat owners club and slipway.

Useful Contact Numbers

The National Trust – 01646 661359
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – 0845 345 7275
Milford Haven Coast Guard – 01646 690909
Countryside Council for Wales - 01646 636736
Wildlife Trust West Wales - 01239 621212
Cambria Archaeology - 01558 823121
Solva Boat Owners Association - 01437 721220
Solva Harbour Master - 01437 721703

PUBLIC TELEPHONE SITUATED IN CAR PARK