Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Nolton Haven to Caerfai

Description: This is one of the most popular sections of The Coast Path, with good reason. It’s a real rollercoaster ride, though, with many steep descents and ascents. The obvious place to take a break is the stunningly picturesque Solva.

Distance: 12 miles 19 km

Public Transport: The Puffin Shuttle walkers bus service covers the entire route. For timetables go to www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus (opens new window)

Refreshments: Pub at Nolton Haven, Cafe at either end of Newgale beach, Pub at Newgale. Plenty of choice in Solva.

Nearest Tourist Information Centre: St Davids. The Grove. Tel: 01437 720392 E-mail: orielyparc@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

Route:

• The gradient out of Nolton Haven is gentle, but don’t let this fool you into thinking this is typical for the rest of the days walk.
• Not far past the distinctive ‘lump’ of Rickets Head, the path drops down to a hollow, where a tall chimney is all that remains of a coal mine.
• Climb back up the other side and a gentle slope then takes you down to Newgale beach
• If the tide is right out, it’s possible to walk all the way to Cwn Mawr along the sand, although the river at the village end can be difficult to cross even where it fans out near the sea.
• The best place to cross it is to clamber along the pebble bank, on the far sire of the river, opposite the cafe. If you do go this way, take care not to get cut off by the tide.
• The normal route heads steeply up hill and even more steeply down the other side.
• Several more up’s and down’s bring you to a pebble-backed beach just before Solva. The path up onto The Gribbin from here is very steep and taxing but the view is stunning once you get to the top.
• Proceed along the ridge, past a rocky outcrop, to pick up a wooded path on the left.
• Walk along the harbour wall, right to the end, where a few steps take you back onto The Coast Path. When the path splits, take the steeper fork on the right. Turn left onto the lane and past the front of the house with a turret.
• Before long you reach the remains of a promontory fort ramparts, just before the path dips down to Porth y Rhaw.
• Look over the precipitous cliffs to spot the remains of three tugs that went aground in 1986.
• Caer Bwdy, a little pebbly beach, comes next. The climb back up to the cliff top is the last of the day unless you want to visit Caerfai beach to cool off.
• You know when you’ve reached Caerfai as it’s backed by several camp sites and a car park. The south facing beach is hemmed in by steep cliffs and is usually a sun trap.
• Head inland along the lane from the car park to get to St Davids.
• If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes

Attractions en-route: Interesting shops and galleries in Solva including the studio’s of the flamboyant artist, Raul Speek.