Top walks around Solva in Wales

Nestled on the verdant coastline of West Wales in the glorious Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the pretty fishing village of Solva is a haven for serenity seekers, coastal explorers, and lovers of the outdoors. 

Rugged trails along the Wales Coast Path offer panoramic views and picnic spots galore, while twisting countryside routes and riverside strolls are also on the cards. The wealth of Solva walks spoils everyone from keen hikers to less experienced ramblers. To save you the research, we’ve highlighted seven of our favourite Solva walks, from easiest to most challenging. Solva is also known for its places to eat, so you're never short of a place to wine and dine after a long day out.

To see the very best of Solva and the surrounding coastline and countryside, why not plan a Welsh walking holiday by booking a few nights in one of our Solva holiday cottages? Click the button below to explore our collection.

Holiday cottages in Solva

Skip to:

• Walk around Solva
• Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
• Solva Harbour Circular
• Gribin Headland Circular
• Solva to St Davids via Pembrokeshire Coast Path
• Solva and Pointz Castle Circular
• Solva to Whitesands Bay via Pembrokeshire Coast Path
• Map of Solva walks

Walk around Solva

They say the best way to explore is on foot, and that is certainly the case for new arrivals to the splendid village of Solva. Before you start planning longer hikes along the coastline or into the countryside, take some time to amble around Solva, where you’ll find a delightful range of things to see and do. 

Park in the centre of the village near the harbour, and first visit the small stretch of golden sand at Solva Beach. At high tide, watch the local boats bobbing on the water, while at low tide you’ll find plenty of opportunities for rock pooling and crabbing. With no dog restrictions, this is a lovely spot for a dog-friendly walk in Wales. 

Away from the beach, follow the banks of the River Solva to marvel at the historic Solva Lime Kilns, and afterwards, cross back over the river and explore the village’s vibrant high street where charming eateries, pubs, galleries and independent shops await.

Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Stretching for 186 miles around the shores of Pembrokeshire and passing through many delightful seaside towns and fishing villages, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a jewel in the region’s crown, and Solva falls at its very heart. While some of the routes in this blog incorporate the coast path, we can’t write about walks in the area without giving it a special mention.

The beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is that there isn’t just one route to stick to; everyone from avid hikers to less-experienced walkers is catered to and is free to plan their own, personalised walk. 

From Solva, head eastwards towards Porthmynawyd Beach or westwards for St Davids, and along the way, in either direction, uncover hidden coves and beaches, stop at panoramic picnic spots, and keep your eyes peeled for coastal wildlife.

Solva Harbour Circular

If you’re on the hunt for easy Solva walks that shine a light on the fishing village’s coastal charm, then look no further than this peaceful, 1-mile walk around Solva Harbour. A perfect trail for novice walkers or new arrivals to the village, this is the best way to see Solva in all its glory, and a route that doesn’t require too much time. 

Start in Solva Harbour Car Park, and first decide whether you fancy a stop in The Harbour Inn before or after your walk – you can’t beat a post-walk pint, so we suggest earning it first. 

Head out of the car park and up the hill, passing quaint cottages surrounded by greenery before dropping back down via a footpath that follows the banks of the River Solva. On your return, marvel at the village’s tranquil harbour and surrounding coastline before circling back to the car park.

Gribin Headland Circular

One of the best Solva walks if you fancy soaking up the village’s natural scenery; the Gribin Headland Circular is a delightful, 2-mile walk that shouldn’t take longer than 90 minutes to complete. 

From Solva Car Park, cross the footbridge and follow the footpath along the river until you reach the dominant Gribin Headland. Stand on the edge of this impressive outstretch and enjoy views of Solva Harbour, Green Scar Island, and the Pembrokeshire coastline. 

From here, follow the coast path and you’ll uncover the secluded and lesser-known Gwadn Beach, which looks like a scene from a postcard thanks to its steep pebble banks surrounded by rolling green hills. This is a great spot for a sheltered swim and picnic. 

After the steep climb away from the beach, follow the scenic clifftops of Forbidden Bay and take in the breathtaking views of St Brides Bay before cutting inland towards St Elvis Farm. This pleasant farm plays host to a double-chambered Neolithic tomb with two large capstones that lovers of history will enjoy visiting before heading back to Solva Harbour.

Solva to St Davids via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

If you’re visiting Solva, then you may have heard whispers that Britain’s smallest city lies just 5 miles up the coast, which is indeed the case. St Davids in Pembrokeshire is not only an ancient site of pilgrimage, but also home to golden beaches, a magnificent cathedral, and a wealth of welcoming restaurants and pubs. 

The most impressive way to visit St Davids is via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Solva. This 5-mile, moderately challenging route is not only stunning but a quiet and peaceful one at that. Walking away from Solva and following the sun-soaked clifftops, walkers can expect secluded coves and little-known beaches that include Caerfai Beach, Penpleidiau Island, and Caer Bwdy Bay. 

Along the way, you’ll pass through various campsites where excellent amenities await, or you can pack your bag for the day and find a quiet picnic spot. Just before Caerfai Bay, you’ll take a sharp right and cut through the countryside where the outskirts of St Davids await. Along this inland stretch, you can expect to find wildflower meadows and varied local wildlife.

Solva and Pointz Castle Circular

Combine your passion for ancient history with coastal splendour on this most picturesque of Solva walks from the village’s tidal harbour to the pretty remains of Pointz Castle and back. 

While seaside scenery and wildlife are guaranteed along this trail, please don’t expect a towering castle at the furthest point of this circular walk; all that remains of Pointz Castle is a modest farm with an overgrown motte and bailey. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful walk that you can expect to complete in under 3 hours. 

Walk up and out of Solva, past the village’s historic lime kilns, and beyond the scenic Gribin Headland. Follow the undulating coastal path along the clifftops, discovering hidden beaches at low tide and stopping for sun-drenched picnics too. 

Upon reaching the furthest point of the walk – the remains of Pointz Castle – follow the trail inland towards the historic St Elvis Farm where a double-chambered Neolithic tomb awaits your discovery. From here, take the rural trails and twisting lanes back to Solva, and perhaps treat yourself to a well-deserved pint in The Cambrian Inn on your return.

Solva to Whitesands Bay via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Up the ante with this 12.5-mile hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, around the tip of St Davids Peninsula, and up to the vast, golden embrace of Whitesands Bay. The longest walk featured in this guide and the most scenic too; this is the perfect option for avid walkers looking for a 5-hour challenge along Pembrokeshire’s shoreline. 

Heading westwards out of Solva, this section of the coast path summarises all that makes the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park so special – expect breathtaking sea views, coastal wildlife, charming towns and villages, historic sites, and vibrant flora and fauna. 

Along the way, drop down to empty beaches, enjoy stunning views of St Bride’s Bay, Ramsey Island and Whitesands Bay, and keep your eyes peeled for coastal wildlife. 

Upon arriving at Whitesands Bay, take a moment to relax on the huge, golden beach backed by sloping fields where farm animals graze. After a picnic on the beach or a visit to the popular beach café, you can retrace your route back to Solva, but we wouldn’t blame you if you caught the 403 bus into St Davids and the T11 back into Solva instead – a journey of around 90 minutes.

Map of Solva walks

Explore our map below to see all our favourite Solva walks, including routes around the village, coastal trails, and circular walks.

Holiday cottages in Solva, Pembrokeshire

Now you’re armed with our favourite Solva walks, why not enhance your Welsh getaway by booking a few nights in one of our holiday cottages nearby? 

With properties for solo travellers, couples, groups of friends, families, and even dog-friendly retreats, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect getaway in our collection. Just click the button below to start exploring.

Holiday cottages in Solva