Day 8 Broad Haven to Solva

Today's Stats:
38,000 steps
12 miles
ascent 720 meters
...and again 2 ciders and one gin!


A bit of bleak looking weather as we set off today after saying goodbye to Ellen and Ian, our fantastic hosts at Anchor Guest House in Broad Haven.  Our host promised that the day would improve...they were right!

So . . what do you think girls, rain gear or no rain gear, rain gear or no rain gear . . . 


As we climbed up to rejoin the coastal path it was evident that the coastline was becoming a bit more wild and rugged.  This area was an important coal mining region during the 18th century.  Most of the coastline now is showing signs of a great deal of land slippage along the path.




The first of several beaches that we encountered  today was Druidston Haven...a secluded inlet of perfect sand.  Just past this beach the earth changed from rocky sandstone to coal....pitch black.  Some of the path we were walking along was also shiny black coal.



The next coastal inlet of Nolton Haven  was an important harbour in the 18'th century handling coal from the many nearby mines.



From here the path turns north showing even more evidence of coastal erosion as we neared Newgale with its 2 mile continuous sand beach front.  As the tide was out we descended and walked the entire length of the beach...filled with surfers, walkers and dogs!





Ruins of an old smoke stack from the coal mining days in the 18th century

Newgale Beach

The beach is home to several surf clubs due to it's reputation for winds...often gale force and known to be very violent.  The local hotel here, the Duke of Edinburgh, has been blown down several times during its history.

Summer beach walking in Wales




A big kiss from Shelagh and Cathy during our health food break!

Once past this last broad beach we encountered a series of up and downs...yes long and steep before the village of Solva, our destination for the day, came into view.







First views of Solva, our destination tonight


After one last steep down and up, we followed the valley to our accommodations at the Cambrian Inn for the next two nights!

Stay tuned for tomorrow, there's rain in the forecast!!  :-(

















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