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0 St Govan’s Chapel
Bosherston, Pembrokeshire; SA71 5DP
An ancient Christian cell, St Govan’s
Chapel is set into a steep cliff on the
southernmost tip of Pembrokeshire.
It was probably founded in the 6th
century by the followers of St Govan –
the chapel is at least 11th century. St
Govan’s identity is unknown, but most
experts favour St Gobham, Abbot of
Dairinis in County Wexford, who
visited and stayed until his
death in AD 586. He is said
to have lived as a hermit,
keeping a look out for
marauding pirates, the
scourge of the local
population, from Lundy
Island. It is said that the
number of steps to the
chapel (approximately 74)
is never the same on the
way up as on the way
down. Be sure to stop off at the little
village of Bosherston to visit the craft
shop, tea house or pub and admire
the gorgeous lily ponds.
ª Return to Pembroke and on to A477
across the toll bridge, then A4076 to
Haverfordwest. Drive through town on
A487 to Solva. Park in the Harbour Inn
car park at the near end of town.
q Solva
Solva, Pembrokeshire; SA62 6UU
The jewel of the Pembrokeshire Coast
National Park, Solva is the ideal location
for walking, sailing or simply relaxing
among the galleries, restaurants and
shops. Used as a smuggling
centre and later a busy port,
Solva has a lovely harbour
set in a cleft in the coastline.
A walk on the cliffs above
the inlet is recommended.
Solva Boat Trips (01437 721
725; http://www.solva.net/boattrips)
leave from the quayside for
sea fishing and sealife safaris.
A little way north lies Solva
Woollen Mill (open most
weekdays; http://www.solvawoollenmill.co.uk),
with a working waterwheel, making
flat-weave carpets and coverings.
ª From the Woollen Mill, turn right
past the quarry and on to A487. Turn left
for St Davids. Either park on outskirts by
the visitor centre and walk in, or carry
on and over the roundabout to the
cathedral car park on Quickwell Hill.Above The spectacular cliff coastline, home to
St Govan’s ChapelAbove The pretty inlet harbour of Solva, once used for smuggling
DRIVE 13: Wonders of West Wales
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50EAT AND DRINKTENBY
The Bay Tree moderate
Set in charming Tudor Square, the Bay
Tree has an excellent menu of hearty
bistro-style food and a cordial ambience.
Tudor Square, SA70 7AJ; 01834 843
516; http://www.baytreetenby.co.uk
Mews Bistro moderate
Freshly cooked food here includes
fish caught in the local harbour.
Upper Frog Street, SA70 7JD;
http://www.mewsbistrotenby.co.uk
Ocean Restaurant expensive
Overlooking the harbour, the Ocean
has a modern international menu
ranging from sea bass to Welsh lamb.
St Julien’s Street, SA70 7AY; 01834 844
536; http://www.tenby-oceanrestaurant.co.ukAROUND TENBY
St Brides Hotel Restaurant moderate
North of Tenby, on the A478, then the
B4316, this hotel restaurant has glorious
sea views. The menu uses local produce
such as crumbly goats’ cheese.
St Brides Hill, Saundersfoot,
SA69 9NH; 01834 812 304;
http://www.stbridesspahotel.comSOLVA
The Old Pharmacy inexpensive
Enjoy Pembrokeshire spiced lamb
kebabs or a bowl of bouillabaisse in this
former chemist’s shop.
5 Main Street, SA62 6UU; 01437 720
005; http://www.theoldpharmacy.co.uk
AROUND SOLVA
The Rising Sun Inn inexpensive
A family-run inn serving food prepared
with local produce and real ales, 16 km
(10 miles) east on A487.
Pelcomb Bridge, Haverfordwest, Dyfed,
SA62 6EA; 01437 765 171are a good place for a picnic. Take a
gentle stroll to the only restored tidal
mill in Wales, and inspect the large
11th-century Carew Cross nearby,
one of the best examples of its type
in Wales, with fine Celtic knot work.
ª Head back to A477 and turn right,
fork left on A4075 to Pembroke, straight
over roundabout and left on B4139 to
Bosherston. Drive on to coast (road
passes military firing range, closed Mon–
Fri except Aug). Park at St Govan’s Head.
Design from Solva
Woollen Mill