The sunshine brought happy smiles to the faces of the Steps2Health walkers as they posed for the camera at West Wales Wildlife Park, Cilgerran. No smile from Cariad, the Morris' spaniel, but she did enjoy the walk!

Amazingly, in spite of the miserable summer, the Steps2Health group have enjoyed two consecutive Saturdays with good weather that enabled them to thoroughly enjoy very successful excursions (writes B.S).

On Saturday, July 28, 27 walkers made the annual trip to Caldey Island. The walk up to the lighthouse afforded stunning views of the spectacular coastline.

Last Saturday it was the turn of the North Pembrokeshire countryside to delight the group. As the minibus and a small flotilla of cars headed for Cilgerran, the views of the Preseli Hill were somewhat blotted out by rain and mist. But once at the West Wales Wildlife Park the rain soon stopped, allowing the 27 walkers, including Chris Hewitt, of the Cardigan group, who is the club chair, to enjoy the tranquility provided by this haven for wildlife.

Volunteer leader Paul led a sizeable group of brisk walkers back down the road to the boardwalks. Barbara, Val and Margaret led the Steady Eddies along the same route.

The rain soon stopped, it was very tranquil and peaceful, but the wildlife was noticeable by its absence. It is rumoured that the water buffalo are on their annual holiday near Montgomery. There were no signs of the huge iridescent dragonflies that we saw last year.

All too soon we reached the end of the boardwalks and were back on the tarmac path. The weather relented, the sun peeped through and it became quite warm, almost summery.

When we returned to the car park, most people went straight up the main track to the Visitor Centre and the Glasshouse Cafe. A small hardy band took the scenic route down to the river, whereupon it started to rain again. The group beat a hasty retreat and quickly joined the others who were by now enjoying the lovely food and good service of the visitor centre cafe. Everyone headed off back home about 2 pm.

Tomorrow (Saturday) meet 10.30 am at rear of the bus shelter/multi-storey car park for a local walk.