Recommended Walks
1. Nine Wells/Solva
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Length: 3.1m, 5km
View map - click hereHistory meets nature in the tunnels and quarries of Nine Wells...
Look out for: Sea birds
Nine Wells has a number of disused quarries which, because they trap the sun, are a haven for a range of plants and butterflies. The coast is pock-marked with caves and at Porth-y-Rhaw, a small cove, there's a wonderful promontory fort with steep cliffs to the east. At Aberllong the remains of three tugs wrecked by the rough seas on their journey from Liverpool in 1986 can be seen.
Ogof Tobacco is reputedly the entrance to a tunnel which led from the cave to Llanunwas farmhouse for the smuggling of contraband ashore.
Solva valley was carved out by glacial melt-water at the end of the last Ice Age, when rising sea levels flooded the lower valley to form the famous harbour.
Characteristics: Rugged coast, fields and livestock, reasonably level
2. Gribyn, Solva
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Length: 2.4m, 3.84km
View map - click hereThere's burial chambers, harbours and gulls galore on this Gribyn walk.
Look out for: Iron Age fort, Cromlech at St Elvis
The Gribyn is the steep hilltop to the east of the harbour entrance. A good defensive site, it was used in the Iron Age as a fort. Lime was once produced at Solva and the remains of a lime kiln last used in 1900 are nearby. On the Gribyn, there are great views out to sea and patches of sea-pink, squill, campion and violets make it a colourful place in season.
You may see the odd sea-bird here - gulls, sometimes fulmars and cormorants, with the occasional jackdaw and kestrel. Look out for the Black Rocks at the entrance to the harbour and the promontory of Dinas Fawr snaking into the sea. Inland, St Elvis Burial Chamber above St Teilos Church is worth a visit.
Characteristics: Rugged coast, gradients steep, stiles, fields and livestock
3. Lochvane
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Length: 3.2m, 5.12km
View map - click hereSpectacular cliffs, secluded coves and Norman ruins...
Look out for: Norman Motte at Pointz Castle, Porthmynawyd beach
The cliffs are spectacular on this stretch of the coast (250 feet) with great views back to Ramsey Island. The promontory of Dinas Fawr (with Dinas Fach beyond) is regarded as dangerous - don't be tempted to go onto the footpath out onto the point. You may see the odd sea-bird here - gulls, sometimes fulmars and cormorants, with the occasional jackdaw and kestrel.
Porthmynawyd is a secluded cove with a small popular beach accessible when the tide is out. The remains of a Norman motte can be seen at Pointz Castle.
Characteristics: Cliff edge, rugged coast, fields and livestock
CAUTION: The promontory of Dinas Fawr (with Dinas Fach beyond) is dangerous - dont be tempted to go onto the footpath out onto the point.
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