ON the first Saturday of July, after a wet and windy night, 25 hopeful walkers met at Manorbier beach car park. Although grey and windy it was quite warm and it stayed dry throughout.

Kym, backed by Barbara, led the Speedies up the short, steep hill past the ancient church and onwards to the King’s Quoit cromlech. Chris, supported by Annie, led the Steadies onto the path past the ancient dovecote and on around the castle. This walk doesn’t have the stunning views of the headland walk, but it is much less energetic. Meanwhile, back on the headland, the Speedies returned via the Coast Path and turned onto the route the Steadies were following.

Everyone ended up at the Castle Mead restaurant, where they put on hot and cold drinks and a variety of delicious cakes and pastries. It was very pleasant sitting in the garden, but eventually it was time for people to make their way home again.

The following Saturday, July 12 brought another heatwave, which made Minwear Woods the perfect place to go, as long as the walkers hugged the shade.

Starting from the car park past Blackpool Mill, Brian backed by Kym, led the Speedies along the path that follows the Cleddau. It was very pleasant under the trees, but still so much warmer than usual. Annie, supported by Chris, followed along behind at the head of the Steadies. They turned back after a while and on the return leg diverted into the viewpoint. Meanwhile the Speedies turned left up to the public road and made a circuit through the woods all the way to Blackpool Mill. The Steadies were not too far behind them, so they all enjoyed refreshments sitting outside Blackpool Mill. The tables with parasols were very popular, while those without shade were deserted.

On the 19th, 33 cheerful walkers met at Battery Gardens expecting the usual choice of walks. However, because of the heat both groups ended up doing the same walk. The Speedies planned to go further but by popular demand they stopped when they reached the harbour. The walkers turned up prepared for showers, but the sky cleared, it became quite hot and walkers had to shed layers as the walk progressed. Jane backed by Barbara, led the Speedies, while the Steadies were headed by Marlene with Chris in support. In turn, the groups walked via the Green and Kiln Park to Black Rock, returning past the Golf Club to the Esplanade. From there the walkers had to weave their way through throngs of visitors all the way down to the harbour. They enjoyed sitting on the harbour for the post-walk refreshments.

On the last Saturday of the month, 39 happy walkers gathered in Penally railway station car park for an all-time favourite walk. The weather was perfect for walking, sunny with a lovely breeze.

Barbara, backed by Jane, led the Speedies down the path towards the beach, shortly followed by Chris and Donna with the Steadies group. The Speedies soon turned off onto the path up the side of the former rifle range, while the Steadies continued to the beach where they turned left for Tenby. The Speedies charged up the steep hill for an anticlockwise circuit of Giltar Head. Both groups loved the iconic view as they closed on Tenby, even though it meant navigating large areas of stones and then soft sand, which was pretty hard work.

The Castle beach was crowded with tourists, so the walkers had to pick their way around the many prone bodies to reach the harbour. The leaders went went off to a planning meeting while everyone else enjoyed well earned refreshments. It was a fine end to a busy month’s walking.

Steps2Health is an entry level walking club and welcomes new members. Participants walk for up to an hour, every Saturday, year round. Visit www.steps2health.org.uk or phone 01834 813465 for more information.