We Must Be Mad: Day 61: St Justinian to Solva

Due to bad bus timings we ended up walking this section of the path back to front; i.e. we walked from Solva to Justinian. This is the first time we have walked with the sea on our left so it was a bit of a novelty.

Solva Harbour is one of the most sheltered anchorages between Fishguard and Milford Haven and therefore became the main trading centre of St Bride's Bay in the medieval period and was important for lime burning as attested by the rows of kilns along the east shore of the harbour. The town and harbour are very picturesque and obviously a popular stop for tourists and boaties. We climbed the west cliffs above the harbour and to the always stunning views along the coast.

Solva harbour. Lime kilns on the far shore.

Looking back to Solva wharf

Entrance to Solva Harbour

Looking back to Solva Harbour from head

Another stunning view

Along the way we encountered some grassy humps that looked man-made however once we had passed by and looked back did we identify these as belonging to an Iron Age fort (along our walk we have been getting practice reading these signs in the landscape). With the help of Google we discovered this fort at Porth-y-Rhaw probably began life in the Early to Middle Iron Age, but occupation continued into the Roman period. Approximately 75% of the site has been lost due to coastal erosion.

Porth-y-Rhaw Iron Age Fort

Further along the coast we took a wee diversion to the ruin of St Nons Chapel which is thought to be one of the oldest Christian buildings in Wales. Non is believed to be the mother of St David. A holy well close to the chapel was thought to have healing properties.

St Non's Chapel ruins

St Non's holy well

Close-up of holy well plaque

More stunning views and geology

Helga named this rock: Shark Rock

Soon after we dropped into Porthclais harbour which was built in the 12th century and served the nearby city of St. Davids, importing coal and timber. The old harbour wall was built by the Romans and is largely still intact. It was obvious that the harbour is now a popular spot for launching kayaks.

Porthcais harbour wall

Looking down to Porthcais

We rounded the headland at Pen Dal-Aderyn and had to commemorate reaching the most western point of the Wales mainland. There was a fast tidal current out in the channel and we saw several dolphins effortlessly swimming against the flow.