Solva Beach

The strip of sand which forms the beach at Solva might not be the main attraction at this picturesque harbour town, but it is the icing on the cake. Set at the head of this tidal inlet the beach is strictly a low tide affair, all but disappearing as the tide comes in.

Whilst the tide is out there is a good sized patch of sand backed by the slipway and harbour front. A small stream flows down the middle of the sand which is a magnet to kids looking to catch shrimps and crabs. Given its sheltered nature (in a harbour) paddling and bathing here are generally pretty safe.
A little further along the inlet are rockpools and small caves, whilst round the headland is a small pebble beach (Gwadn) backed by a valley.

The steep-sided inlet which forms Solva was carved over millions of years by the meltwater from glaciers created in the Ice Age. The technical term is a Ria, but the result is a stunning backdrop.

The headland to the east of Solva is known as the Gribbin and has great views over the valley and beyond. It was also the location of an Iron Age settlement the outlines of which are still visible.

Once one of the busiest trading ports in Pembrokeshire, Solva is today still bustling and well worth a visit.