| Solva | |
| Welsh: Solfach | |
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Solva
Solva shown within Pembrokeshire |
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| Population | 1,420 (2001 census) |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | SM8024 |
| Principal area | Pembrokeshire |
| Ceremonial county | Dyfed |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | HAVERFORDWEST |
| Postcode district | SA62 |
| Dialling code | 01437 |
| Police | Dyfed-Powys |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament | Preseli Pembrokeshire |
| Welsh Assembly | Preseli Pembrokeshire |
| List of places: UK • Wales • Pembrokeshire | |
Solva (Welsh: Solfach) is a village and community in Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK.
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Solva lies on the north side of St Bride's Bay, in North Pembrokeshire in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.[1] It lies on a deep ravine at the mouth of the River Solva. In the ravine is Lower Solva, consisting of a long street ending at the small harbour. Most of the modern development has been in Upper Solva, on the cliff top to the west of the harbour.
The rocks at the entrance to Solva Harbour made it one of the most sheltered anchorages between Fishguard and Milford Haven.[2] Solva became the main trading centre of St Bride's Bay in the medieval period, and was important for lime burning. Several lime kilns are preserved in the harbour area. In the 19th century, Solva had around 30 registered trading ships.[3] The fading coastal trade has been replaced by tourism, and the harbour is now a popular boating centre.
Solva Woollen Mill is the oldest continuously working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire. Tom Griffiths erected it in 1907, powered by a 10 foot, overshot water-wheel which was restored in 2007. Over the years, machinery was installed to undertake the complete process of converting fleeces into fabric. Today the mill mostly manufactures carpets and rugs. There is a tearoom and a shop, and visitors are able to see the looms at work.[4]
The village was the location for Wales' first butterfly farm, Solva Nectarium, which opened in 1979. The spectacular local cliff coast is popular with walkers, and the classic cliff exposures of Cambrian rocks attract amateur and professional geologists.
Every year on Easter Monday Solva hosts a Duck Race for charity. The ducks are released into the River Solva near Middle Mill and float down stream to Solva harbour. The winner is the first to cross under the footbridge in lower Solva car park.[5]
Each summer, Solva hosts a Regatta which features rowing for adults and children.
Solva Harbour is a good example of a flooded valley known as a ria. Local rocks contain fossils from the Cambrian period.[6]