TENBY’S Steps2Health is an entry level walking club, walking for up to an hour, every Saturday, year round. The club’s April walks have taken them around Tenby to Penally, Waterwynch and further afield to Broad Haven.

For the first club walk of April, after overnight rain it remained very windy. So only 24 walkers gathered at Penally railway station. Kym and Jane led the Speedies up Giltar Head, then across the South Beach to Tenby. Brian and Chris led the Steadies to the beach, but turned left directly towards Tenby. The walk across South Beach was bracing, with the strong wind behind them helping the walkers on their way. With the tide out, the firm sand was good going with very few stones. This was the best the beach has looked for sometime. Despite the inclement weather, the town was buzzing with visitors and the cafes were packed.

On the 11th, the weather was very unseasonal. It was cold and windy, with a sprinkling of wintry showers. 41 walkers gathered at the Community Gardens. Barbara backed by Jane, led the Speedies to Penally and back. The wind was challenging, heading out to Penally but easier returning, because it was at their backs. However it was horrible and painful, when a hail shower came through. Meanwhile Chris, supported by Kym. led the larger Steadies group along the Esplanade with a circular route planned. On reaching the golf club house, the hail started. With the combination of gusting wind and sharp drop in temperatures, the decision was made not to go any further. They returned to town and directly to Church House for a fund-raising coffee morning being held by the Arts Club.

On April 18, 30 cheery walkers made the long trip to Broad Haven (near Haverfordwest). It was a beautiful sunny morning, but with a chilly wind. Jane and Kym led the Speedies up the long hill through Haroldston Woods. Thanks to the recent dry weather, this was relatively mud free. They took the first left turn and cut across the fields to the Coast Path and down to the beach. Chris and Annie took the Steadies along seafront and round to the Slash Pond. Sadly, there was very little wildlife to be seen. They returned the same way and arrived back at the car park at the same time as the Speedies. There was a special on coffee and cake at the YHA, they did a roaring trade.

April 25 brought possibly the best weather of the year so far. The sun shone again, but it was warmer with the slightest of breezes, for the 30 walkers who turned up at the Community Gardens. Barbara, supported by Jane, led the Speedies around the sea-side of the town then charged up the long hill to Allen’s View. The Steadies, led by Annie and backed by Pat and Marlene, followed them as far as the harbour then turned off towards the North Beach. Meanwhile, the Steadies strolled to First Point and back the Speedies continued on the Coast Path to Waterwynch then up, up, up the Lane and Slippery Back to return to the town. Eventually everyone joined up again at St Mary’s church grounds where there were refreshments available as part of the ‘Nearly May Festival’.

Visit www.steps2health.org.uk or phone 07967 056466 to find out more about this local walking group.