Thirty-nine Steps2Health walkers gathered at their usual meeting place by Tenby bus station at 10.30 on Saturday. They were rewarded with a bright winter's day (writes P.M.).

The longer walk, led by Val and Paul, headed off towards the golf course and Black Rock. The puddles along the path had frozen to reveal jagged patterns, and the walkers had to take care to avoid a tumble. They headed to the Kiln Park entrance onto the South Beach and were greeted by the sight of Caldey and St. Catherine's bathed in the winter sunshine.

Dark clouds were gathering in the distance, but the showers passed us by. The going was firm and the walkers were into their stride, so the walk was extended to include Castle Beach and Castle Hill. On Castle Hill, some eagle-eyed walkers spied cormorants resting on the Sker rock. The group proceeded on to the harbour, the sluice and North Walk up into the town.

The Steady Eddies, led by Brian, Janice and Erica, took the route to the Green, St. John's Hill and down along the North Walk. From there they continued through Tenby Harbour and Penniless Cove Hill into the town through Tudor Square and the Five Arches.

The walkers were on their way to the Scout and Guide Hall to celebrate Barbara Stredder's 80th birthday. Barbara was one of the first walkers in the Tenby Steps2Health group and regularly writes a column for the Tenby Observer that is enjoyed by many readers. Few other local groups can possibly enjoy such excellent publicity.

The hall had been decorated with balloons and banners. Almost 50 walkers, past and present, gathered to mark Barbara's special day. Janice presented her with a basket of flowers from all the walkers. Once the bottles of bubbles were opened and glasses quickly passed around, Paul proposed a toast. Everyone sang Happy Birthday and applauded while Barbara cut her celebration cake. This was then enjoyed by all, but the icing decoration of Barbara's dog Dandy was saved, for Barbara to take home as a keepsake. Barbara left her special birthday party with her little car full of flowers, cards and festive balloons.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the walk is at Wiseman's Bridge. Walkers catch the 351 from the bus stop at 10 am. Drivers park on the seafront for a 10.35 start.