Porth-y-rhaw
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The Cambrian period is referred to as the 'Age of Trilobites', and Wales is one of the world's best known places for fossils of these extinct marine arthropods. Trilobites had distinctive compound eyes which in some cases have been so well preserved that you can see the individual lenses. They are distant relatives of crabs, spiders and insects, and varied greatly in shape and size. Most were only a few centimetres long, but there were some giants, and in Britain, the first such example of which was found by accident along the St. David's coast line. Palaeontologist John William Salter found a two foot long trilobite in the cliff ledges at Porth-y-Rhaw in 1862, making it a popular location among geologists and collectors. As a result there's not much left to be found here other than small fragments of trilobites. However, it is a pretty site, so worth the walk.
Location: A short walk from Nine Wells (on the A487) or a longer walk from Solva (click here for the route).
Facilities: Very small National Trust car park in Nine Wells (OS Grid reference: SM 784244). There are two footpaths from the main road, one is a high link and the other is a low valley path with wetland. Parking and toilet facilities are also available in Lower Solva (OS Grid Reference SM805243).
Website: www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
Contact: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - Tel 0845 3457275
National Trust - Tel: 01492 860123
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Opening times and admission charges are subject to change - please contact the venue before your visit
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