Once again, the Tenby Steps2Health walkers joined forces with their Pembroke Dock counterparts and, on Saturday, the sun shone brilliantly on Pembroke Dock in sharp contrast to the previous Saturday's joint walk around Tenby, when filming for a promotional DVD had taken place (writes B.S.).
Paul Morris, the county co-ordinator, arrived with a full minibus at the starting point outside the library and, as the Pembroke Dock group has now grown, over 50 people took part in the walk.
Paul led the faster walkers, while the slower group followed Peggy Childs, a member of the Pembroke Dock group, who proved to be a very well informed guide with an in-depth knowledge of the area.
The first port of call for all was the local cemetery, where lie the remains of Captain William Pryce Cumby, who fought so courageously at the Battle of Trafalgar, eventually becoming Captain Superintendent of the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Pembroke Dock may not be able to boast the long history of neighbouring towns, but its Victorian origins are evident in many of its interesting buildings.
The first group found it well worth the steep climb to the impressive Defensible Barracks. From this vantage point, they could appreciate how well sited were the barracks and gun towers to defend the dockyard against the threat of a French invasion.
The second group had a closer look at the gun tower just beyond the South Pembs. Hospital and marvelled that someone was working to turn it into their home.
Walking back through the dockyard, Peggy pointed out the beautifully restored Dockyard chapel which, sadly, stands empty and unused.
Unfortunately, the Martello Tower on Front Street, which has been transformed into an interesting museum, was not open, but many walkers will, no doubt, visit it during the season.
After our interesting and informative hour, during which we had absorbed a little of the town's Victorian heritage, we enjoyed a further sociable time enjoying refreshments in The Phoenix, where a huge St. Bernard dog gave us a lovely welcome.
The advertised walk for tomorrow (Saturday) has now been replaced by a local walk as conditions are too muddy for the walk to Pendine along the Carmarthenshire coastpath.
So, meet outside Somerfield 10.30 am for a town walk. The following two Saturdays will also be town walks.
Any readers living in the Pembroke Dock locality who would be interested in joining that group can get full details from Paul Morris on 01834 844845.