One of A Pair of Limekilns On Western Side of Slipway,Porthclais

One of a Pair of Limekilns on the Western Side of the Slipway is a Grade II listed industrial relic at Porthclais, a small harbour a short distance from St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is one of two lime kilns standing beside the slipway, and it is a good place to see how this corner of the coast once worked.

What are the limekilns at Porthclais?

Lime kilns were used to burn limestone into quicklime, a material farmers spread on fields to improve the soil and builders used in mortar and whitewash. Stone and fuel were brought in by sea, which is why kilns were built right at the quayside. At Porthclais there are four kilns in total, two on each side of the harbour head, set on separate stone quays. This listing covers one of the pair on the western side of the slipway.

How old are they?

The exact date of construction is uncertain. A record of lime being imported for burning exists as early as 1743, so lime burning at the harbour has a long history. By 1870 the kilns were owned by a C. Allen, and by 1906 they were out of use. Both kilns in this pair were restored around 1975, which is why the masonry looks tidy today. The pair is recognised with Grade II listed status.

What is Porthclais harbour?

Porthclais is a narrow, steep-sided inlet of roughly 420 metres in length, with a breakwater at the seaward end. Records show cargoes being landed here for St Davids Cathedral in the 1380s, and the harbour appears in a list of Pembrokeshire harbours from 1566. Trade in coal, timber and lime carried on into the late 19th century, but competition from road and rail steadily weakened it. The coal trade ended in the 1930s and the coalyards and weighbridge were later demolished.

Today the harbour is used by local fishermen and recreational sailors, and it is a popular spot for a quiet stop on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

How do I find them?

The kilns are at the head of the harbour beside the slipway, at roughly 51.870, -5.283. They are easy to reach on foot from the harbour car park area, and the site is open air with no entry fee for viewing from outside.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside the kiln? The kilns are a protected structure and are best admired from outside.

Is it worth the stop? Yes, if you like industrial heritage, coastal walks or photography. Combine it with a walk along the coast towards St Davids.

How long do I need? Fifteen to twenty minutes for the kilns and harbour, longer if you continue along the path.

What else is nearby? St Davids Cathedral and the city centre are a short distance inland, and the coast path leads to nearby bays.