Region: Solva to St Davids Coastal Walk, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Places To Stay: St Davids and the surrounding coastal villages offer a range of accommodation from cosy B&Bs to boutique hotels. Try: Stay in St Davids or browse Pembrokeshire Coast Accommodation. I stayed in Hotel Plas Hyfryd in Narberth, and it was perfect for us. It was centrally located, had a great town with everything you would need, and served a great breakfast to set you up for the day.
Looking for more Pembrokeshire Coast walks? Try Whitesands Bay to Abereiddi, Stackpole & Barafundle Bay, or Tenby to Saundersfoot.
Below are 3 ideas for trips and tours in Pembrokeshire. GetYourGuide offers great discounts and availability + Many more!
This superb section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (approx. 11 km / 7 miles) follows rugged cliff-tops, sheltered coves, and sweeping bays between the charming harbour village of Solva and the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. Rich in history and natural beauty, this route combines wildlife spotting, dramatic geology, and one of the most culturally important destinations in Wales.
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Cardiff and Bristol are the nearest airports — from there, hire a car or take public transport to St Davids. The seasonal 400 ‘Puffin Shuttle’ bus links many coastal points, including Solva and St Davids.
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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link
- Start point: St Davids city centre – park here and take the 400 Puffin Shuttle to Solva
- Google Maps link: St Davids Car Park
- Bus link: The 400 Puffin Shuttle runs between St Davids and Solva (seasonal timetable)
- Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
- You can also follow this route on my Outdooractive profile
Hike Profile
- Distance: approx 11 km / 7 miles (linear)
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Highest point: modest coastal cliff heights with big views
- Difficulty: Moderate – rolling cliff-top terrain with some steep ascents/descents
- Route conditions: well-maintained coastal path, but can be muddy after rain and exposed in strong winds
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Hike Description
Begin your journey in the historic heart of St Davids, parking near the cathedral before catching the seasonal 400 ‘Puffin Shuttle’ bus to Solva. This charming harbour village has a rich maritime history, once a bustling port for lime and coal, Solva is now beloved for its tidal harbour, colourful cottages, and thriving local art scene.
From Solva’s quay, pick up the Pembrokeshire Coast Path heading west. The route climbs gently out of the village to deliver spectacular views back across St Brides Bay. The cliffs here are known for their striking folded rock formations, a visible reminder of the area’s geological past. Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds such as fulmars and kittiwakes, and in summer, the vibrant blooms of sea thrift and campion.
The path undulates along headlands and dips into secluded coves like Porth Clais — once a small medieval harbour used by the monks of St Davids. It’s worth pausing here to explore the old lime kilns and enjoy the peaceful setting.
The final stretch into St Davids takes you past rolling farmland before arriving in Britain’s smallest city, which holds immense cultural and spiritual importance in Wales. At its heart lies the magnificent St Davids Cathedral, founded in the 12th century on the site of an earlier monastery established by St David, the patron saint of Wales, in the 6th century. For over a thousand years, this has been a major pilgrimage site, in the Middle Ages, two pilgrimages to St Davids were considered the spiritual equivalent of one to Rome.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.
I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.
[video_popup url=”https://youtu.be/aNP-7iBSHzA?si=ozPKg-OVnS8dHV6R” text=”Solva to St Davids, 11 km Wales Coast Path Walk – 3D Walkthrough” title=”Solva to St Davids, 11 km Wales Coast Path Walk – 3D Walkthrough”]Wander through the cathedral grounds and the atmospheric ruins of the Bishop’s Palace, then explore the city’s cafés, galleries, and craft shops before heading back to your starting point.
Below are 3 ideas for trips and tours in Pembrokeshire, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!
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Solva to St Davids Coastal Walk FAQs
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