JUNE didn’t provide the best weather for Saturday walks, but Tenby’s Steps2Health walkers still enjoyed themselves and even managed some quiet walking amid the bustle of Long Course Weekend.

Nice, summery weather was sadly absent for the first June walk on the 7th. As the group of 26 walkers gathered outside New Hedges Village Hall, the first of numerous short, drizzly showers came through.

Undeterred, Jane supported by Barbara, led the Speedies group along the pavement to Saundersfoot Bay Leisure Park. Chris and Marlene followed behind with the larger Steadies group. The Speedies turned into the leisure park to pick up the path through the woods and down onto Glen Beach. The path was muddy in places, but passable with care.

The Steadies stayed on Broadfield Hill until they reached Cwm Gwennol, where they continued down the Glen footpath to reach the beach. They too had to carefully pick their way around the mud in places. After a lovely stroll across the beach, both groups finished at Saundersfoot harbour, where they scattered to find refreshments in their favourite cafe. It wasn’t wonderful weather, but still a very pleasant walk to start the month.

The following Saturday, the weather resembled April showers rather than flaming June. Despite the thunder and lightning during the night, 34 walkers turned up at Colby Lodge Gardens.

The Steadies, led by Marlene and Chris, did a circular walk around the meadow and woods. Kym, backed by Jane, took the Speedies on a similar route, but extended it by walking the path down to Amroth and back.

The short showers came with annoying irregularity, but it didn’t spoil everyone’s enjoyment. At the end, both groups gathered at the Bothy Cafe for delightful cake and coffee, before making their way home.

On the 21st, 37 keen walkers met at Battery Gardens for a choice of town walks. Despite the rest of the country experiencing a heatwave, the walkers had to don their waterproofs for the showers that plagued their walks.

The Steadies, led by Chris and Annie, weaved their way through the bustling town, down the zigzag and across the North Beach and back. The Speedies led by Brian and backed by Jane, extended this walk from the Croft, up to Allen’s View, down to Waterwynch and returned via the Old Tenby Road and Blind Lane.

Afterwards, with thunder rumbling in the distance, everyone met up at the Salvation Army Hall for coffee and delicious homemade cakes. Our thanks to the ladies for making us so welcome.

On June 28, with no public buses and road closures in force, Steps2Health arranged two walks for anyone who could get to them.

Despite the Long Course Weekend crowds, a remarkable 18 people turned up at Battery Gardens. Barbara led them to Black Rock and onto South Beach, where it was blissfully calm and quiet. They ended up at the harbour for peaceful refreshments away from the noisy crowds.

A slightly smaller group of 11 turned up outside the RAOB Club in Kilgetty. Kym walked them down Station Road, then Ivy Chimney Lane, across the bridge that goes across the main road, finishing with a short stretch of the Miners Walk and back to her house for refreshments.

The weather was pretty dull all the way for both groups, but it didn’t spoil the fun. This brought to an end a busy month.

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