Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Solva, Haverfordwest SA62 6UQ, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Solva Lime Kilns
Industrial heritage
Place photograph
5.2
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.2Along Solva’s harbour, old lime kilns recall the period when the village was a working port. Lime shipped from here was used in the mortar for St Davids Cathedral, and the kilns remain visible along the harbour edge.
Solva’s harbour is more than a picturesque inlet: its lime kilns preserve a tangible trace of the coastal trade that shaped the village. Pair a look at the old structures with the changing harbour and a stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapPembrokeshire Coast Path, Solva, Haverfordwest SA62 6UQ, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
A short heritage stop at Solva Harbour. View the lime kilns from a suitable public route, then take in the inlet and, if time and conditions allow, continue along the coast path.
Things to do
Spot the harbour lime kilns
Look for the surviving kilns along the harbour edge. They are a visible reminder of Solva’s former lime trade; view them from a suitable public route and do not assume entry is permitted.
15–30 minutes
Walk a section of the coast path
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes through the Solva area. The Solva-to-Broad Haven route includes steep hills and, in places, many steps; check the route information before choosing a section.
Notice the harbour’s changing shoreline
The harbour beach emerges at low tide and the inlet changes with the tide. Check tide times and take care around the busy waterway.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A quick look at the lime kilns
- 01
Go to Solva Harbour and view the lime kilns from a suitable public route.
- 02
Take in the inlet and harbour setting; do not enter the structures unless access is clearly permitted.
Half day · 1–2 hours
Harbour heritage and a coast-path stroll
- 01
Start at Solva Harbour and look for the lime kilns along its edge.
- 02
Walk a suitable section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, turning back when you choose.
- 03
Check local conditions and access before setting out.
Verified history
Solva was a fishing and trading port during the 18th and 19th centuries. A guide to the village says lime from Solva was shipped for use in mortar at St Davids Cathedral, and that the harbour-side kilns are thought to be at least 200 years old. The same source describes shipbuilding in the village during the 1700s and 1800s. These details are reported by a visitor guide rather than a primary historical record.
Hidden details
A cathedral connection in the harbour landscape — The lime trade links these harbour-side structures to St Davids Cathedral: a village guide says lime from Solva was shipped for its building mortar.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · October · A clear daytime visit; check local conditions and tide times if exploring the harbour shore.
The sources do not identify a particular season for the kilns. Longer daylight can make it easier to combine a heritage stop with a coast-path walk.
Coastal weather and path conditions can change. Check the forecast and route conditions before walking; use caution around the harbour waterway.
The route
- stiles
- The route source says there are no stiles on the described Solva-to-Broad Haven section.
- difficulty
- The Solva-to-Broad Haven section has steep hills and sections with many steps.
- start point
- Solva
- parking start
- A car park is reported at the head of Solva Harbour; it can become exceptionally busy. Check current arrangements.
- shorter alternative
- Choose a short harbour-side visit rather than attempting the full Solva-to-Broad Haven section.
- Solva Harbour
- Harbour-side lime kilns
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Worth pairing with
Solva Harbour
Combine the kilns with a look around the inlet and village harbour. Shore access and conditions vary with the tide.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path: Solva to Broad Haven
A longer walking option in the area; the route information notes steep hills and sections with many steps.
What to look for
Look for the row of lime kilns along the harbour edge and imagine the port’s former role in shipping lime for building work. Do not enter the structures unless access is clearly permitted.
The story
Industry, Maritime
Best time to go
April–October for longer daylight and a more comfortable harbour-side visit; check conditions before travelling.
Choose a clear, calm day to appreciate the harbour setting. The harbour beach changes with the tide, so check tide times if you plan to explore the shore.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The lime kilns are identified along Solva Harbour. The available sources do not confirm access into or around the structures; check locally before visiting and do not enter restricted areas. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
A car park is reported at the head of the inlet; it can become exceptionally busy. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets, including disabled and baby-changing facilities, are reported at the harbour; check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The village has places to eat and drink; individual venues and opening times are not verified.
Dogs
Dogs are reported as allowed year-round in Solva Harbour; check local signs and any path-specific restrictions.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The available sources do not confirm step-free access to the kilns. The harbour beach access is described as unsuitable for wheelchair users or buggies; check the route and conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Harbour inlet and sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Solva Lime Kilns
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
