After the wettest March on record, April started in much the same vein. The rain was a couple of degrees warmer, but the winds were just as ferocious...
Five Nordic walkers launched the month’s programme with a trip to Lawrenny. As they followed the circular route through Lawrenny Woods there was even a little sunshine at times. When it shone, it illuminated the carpet of wood anemones and primroses delighting the walkers. Despite the muddy challenges along the way, the walkers really enjoyed their outing.
The following Saturday, courtesy of Storm Kathleen, it was very windy but quite mild. The skies were largely leaden, but there were a few brighter patches. Despite the unpromising day, a good turnout of 33 walkers gathered at Battery Gardens for a choice of beach walks. Kym, backed by Barbara, led the Speedies onto the South Beach, where bowled along by the wind, they headed for Castle Hill. Marlene, supported by Heather, led the Steadies past the golf club and Black Rock before they too turned onto the South beach. They were entertained by a kite surfer battling his way off the beach in the teeth of the howling wind. By the time that the Steadies reached Castle Beach, the Speedies had completed a very windy lap of the hill and were heading for the shelter of North Beach. Most ended up in the Old Chapel, enjoying the refreshments on offer.
On Saturday 13, 31 club members made the trip to Angle West. Again the weather was dire. The planned Coast Path walks were changed because of abundant surface water and thick mud. The larger Speedies group walked through the village and around to the Tower House, while the Steadies plodded up the lane to Chapel Bay Fort. There was no view, thanks to the pesky fog, so they didn’t tarry long and headed for the Wavecrest Cafe. They were soon joined by the Speedies and all enjoyed a super selection of tasty cakes.
The following week the weather finally started to improve. On the Saturday, the sky was a blue bowl and the sun poured down all day long, what a delightful change. It was perfect weather for beach walks. Barbara, backed by Jane, led the large Speedies group across the South Beach towards Giltar Head. Donna, supported by Kym, followed behind at the head of the Steadies. Donna led the Steadies off the beach at the first turn, past Black Rock and through Kiln Park. They finished at a fundraising coffee morning at St Johns Church, where they found a wonderful selection of cakes. The Speedies turned just short of Giltar Head, then made their way to St Johns to join the Steadies. This brought to an end a really enjoyable morning, made all the better by terrific weather.
The last walk of the month started with cold driving rain. It did stop, but the wind stayed cool. Barbara, backed by Jane, led the Speedies through the town and up up up to the top of the M1. The fields around Brynhir estate were sticky in places, but passable. Marlene, supported by Chris, led the smaller Steadies group past the North Beach to Butts Field and The Glebe. Being a match day, the cafés were very busy once all the walkers were back in the centre of town. With the weather improving, everyone went home happy, bringing to an end the club’s programme for April.