A crowded beach break? Solva could solve that!

A crowded beach break? Solva could solve that!

A sweeping view of Newgale Beach comes into view on the drive towards Solva - and it’s simply stunning, a vast expanse of pebble stones lining a beach before the coastline sharply turns west and is replaced by exposed jagged hills.  

One of my favourite things about Wales is its coastal path, a walking route that joins together South, West and North Wales. And for me there’s nothing better than a walk with some fresh salty air - in the winter it’s a chance to blow away the cobwebs, in the summer it’s an opportunity to cool off or alleviate hay fever!

There are a few places along the Wales Coast Path that are perfect for an alternative seaside break this year that don’t have massive visitor numbers you tend to see closer to the bigger towns and cities…

Solva

Solva feels quite secluded at the base of a leafy valley where the river worms its way around to the open sea, obscured from view.  

When I arrived, the tide was out so the small boats were resting in the shallow waters, but it wouldn’t be long before they were bobbing about next to the grassy verge dotted with picnic benches.

My destination on this day was St. David’s, but I was glad to have spent some time in Solva on the coastal path - and of course treated myself to tea inside a local cafe called MamGu Welshcakes.

St David’s

St David’s is almost as far west as you can go in Wales and although it is more well known because of its impressive cathedral, it’s absolutely worth a mention because of its rural location near the Pembrokeshire coast. On reflection I also think it had quite a calm pace because visitors like me tend to be here to explore a place of worship and find out about all the stories and history within.

Aberaeron

Years ago, I explored Aberystwyth and stopped off in Aberaeron on my journey back home for lunch. My most memorable takeaway of this coastal village was the terraced streets that are painted in all different colours, it was such a cheerful sight on an overcast day!

Harlech

Home to a spectacular stone castle, I was so impressed by Harlech’s beautiful beach and views across to Snowdonia that I mentioned recently in a previous post. I’d love to return to Harlech on a hot summer’s day to soak it all in again on a deck chair or seaside walk.

Merthyr Mawr

This one is a little further inland but Merthyr Mawr’s impressive sand dunes stretch quite a distance, I remember going here as a child and being amazed by them!  

The small village is a quaint collection of thatched cottages not far from Ogmore Castle that can be accessed along a river path that you eventually have to cross via steppingstones (if it’s safe and shallow enough) - alternatively drive around to the car park.

Mark your calendars as in September there’s a four week ‘Forest Feastival’ nearby that I plan to attend for the first time this year, I’ll report back if I do - or perhaps see you there?!

Read more here:

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