TENBY-based walking group Steps2Health continued their habit of Saturday walks during May, encountering mixed weather, enjoying Pembrokeshire scenery and winding down in local cafés.

For the first walk of May, It was overcast and windy with occasional showers, but fine for country walking. 28 members turned up at Kilgetty Community Centre. Kym and Barbara led the Speedies up the Miner’s Walk towards Thomas Chapel, followed by Chris and Jane with the Steadies. Afterwards, everyone headed for Begelly Church Hall, where ladies of the congregation put on hot drinks and biscuits, before it was time to start the journey home.

On May 9, only 16 walkers turned up at Tenby harbour for a trip to Caldey. The turnout was disappointing: some members may have had issues about this season’s prices. For those who did turn up, the weather was ideal, warm and sunny, with only the lightest of breezes. Kym and Brian took the Speedies on the long circuit right round the island. Chris, backed by Jane, led the Steadies via the old Abbey, lighthouse and fields for a shorter, but very pleasant circuit. On this occasion the usual plentiful bird life was conspicuous by it’s absence. Everyone ended at the café on the green, for lunch. It was exceedingly pleasant and the chat flowed easily. The new children’s playground is almost complete and the walkers look forward to seeing it in use, even if they are “a bit too old to try it out,” as one of them commented.

On May 16, the northerly wind had finally shifted round to the west. It didn’t feel much warmer - instead it was more windy with light drizzle. Despite the weather, 28 walkers turned up at Battery Gardens. Brian, supported by Chris, led the Steadies past the Golf Club and onto the South Beach at Black Rock. The sand was firm, just the job for walking. With a low tide, Woolhouse Rocks were clearly visible. Approaching Castle Beach, the Steadies were overhauled by the Speedies, led by Barbara with Jane in support. Despite a longer route via the Green and Kiln Park, the Speedies lived up to their name and reached the harbour first. Everyone split up and headed for their favourite cafés for refreshments.

The following week was Spring Bank Holiday and the town was filled with visitors. For once, good weather was forecast and the weather bulletins grew ever more hysterical. So it came to pass that 35 walkers met at Battery Gardens dressed in anoraks and fleeces, because they had looked out of the window, Tenby had sea fog!

Brian, backed by Barbara, led the Speedies up and up through the estates to the new graveyard. Normally the view would be sublime, but this time it was just grey. Marlene and Chris led the Steadies on the much flatter sea views walk, which was thronged with crowds of happy visitors. Everyone ended up at Church house for a charity coffee morning, put on by Tenby Inner Wheel in aid of dementia group ‘The Wednesday Club’. The raffle prizes were very generous and all donated by local businesses.

For the last walk in May the group had a cooler day after a hot dry week. It was a delightful day for the 29 walkers who turned out at Colby Woodland Garden. Starting from the main car park, Jane backed by Kym, took the Speedies across the lane for an energetic circuit around Little Crag-y Borion Wood. Chris, supported by Barbara, led the Steadies down the wide path towards Amroth. When they reached the bridge, they crossed it to double back into the Woodland Garden.

The rhododendrons were a blaze of colour, even if some of them were starting to go over. Everyone ended up back at the Bothy Cafe with its usual delicious selection of decorated cakes.

Steps2Health is an entry level walking club, walking for up to an hour, every Saturday, year round. Visit www.steps2health.org.uk or phone 07967 056466 to find out more.