Venturing through Colby, Carew, Kilgetty, Llangwm, Bosherston, Saundersfoot and Tenby, the Steps2Health walkers have experienced Pembrokeshire in all weathers this March.

Thirty-four members gathered in Amroth car park on March 2. The weather was cold and bright with occasional brief showers, a grand day for a social walk. Barbara, backed by Jane, led the Speedies up the long hill towards Colby Lodge. Donna, supported by Chris, took the larger Steadies group along the sea front to the county boundary. When the Speedies reached the wooden bridge they crossed over into Colby Lodge Gardens. They were delighted with the colourful display of camellias and stunning early rhododendrons. After a coffee stop at the Bothy, the Speedies returned down the hill to the village. They found the Steadies enjoying the fare at the Pirate Cafe and Amroth Arms, rounding off the first walk of the month.

On a beautiful spring morning, on March 8, six eager Nordic Walkers met at the car park in Minwear Woods. They kept up a brisk pace through the woods to the Sister’s House and St John’s church. They returned along the quiet lane to the picnic tables, where they had a refreshment stop. They rounded off their morning with a visit to the Carew Inn, to take on the challenge of the magnificent portions of fish and chips. The walk was certainly good for them, the lunch maybe less so.

Saturday 10 was cold, grey and windy, but it stayed dry for the 31 walkers who met at Battery Gardens. Kym backed by Jane, led the Speedies through the town and up, up, up to the field above the graveyard. Marlene, supported by Heather, took the Steadies past the North Beach, which was not very inviting in the strong easterly wind. They turned back via Butts Field and the Green before returning to town. At the end most of the members headed for the reliably warm welcome at the Old Chapel.

On Thursday 14, eight intrepid, all-weather Nordic Walkers held a walk at Bosherston. The weather was very indifferent again with intermittent rain. The walkers didn’t mind the conditions and one even commented “Mist is supposed to be good for the skin”.

Then on the Saturday, 27 walkers met up in Kilgetty for a choice of walks to Saundersfoot. Once again it was grey and cold with some memorably mean showers. The Steadies went down Errox Hill to Coppet Hall, then through the only open tunnel into Saundersfoot. Unable to follow their usual route via the Dramway, the Speedies went the same way as the Steadies to St Issell’s church, then doglegged via the Ridgeway and the Incline to extend their route. Once in Saundersfoot village everyone was spoilt for choice of cafes and eateries.

It was unseasonably cold on Saturday 23, but mainly quite bright. There were a few cold wintry showers during the morning, but they were thankfully brief. As the 34 walkers set out there were plenty of visitors about, but we’d anticipated that and planned beach walks. Jane backed by Brian, led the Speedies across the South Beach towards Giltar. Donna, with support from Chris, took the Steadies across the North Beach and on to First Point. As the Steadies turned around, the Speedies were doing the same thing at the far end of South Beach. Everyone ended up at St Johns Church Hall for a coffee morning. Most people opted for the fresh hot cross buns, but a few couldn’t resist the delicious cakes on offer.

The following Thursday, four all weather Nordic Walkers travelled to Llangwm to walk via Black Tar to Port Lion and back. It was a cool and windy day, but that was almost irrelevant. The frequent showers were Biblical in their fury and intensity. One walker said “I was completely soaked apart from my feet”, which shows the value of a good pair of boots. The walkers finished with a nice lunch at the Jolly Sailor pub and eventually dried out.

Saturday 30 was a beautiful morning for the last walk of March. 31 walkers went by bus to Kilgetty. Starting from the community centre, both groups ventured along New Road to the rather muddy Miners Trail. Kym set a fair pace leading the Speedies, supported by Jane. The Steadies, led by Marlene and backed by Chris, took a shorter easier route back to St Mary’s Church Hall, Begelly. Thanks go to the ladies who provided a warm welcome and much appreciated refreshments.