STEPS2HEALTH is an entry-level walking club welcoming new members. So far this year the walkers have enjoyed exploring Tenby, Neyland, Kilgetty and Saundersfoot in wind, storm, rain, sun and ice, and they’re looking forward to better weather as spring arrives.

First walk of the year took place on January 3; they stayed in Tenby for a sea views walk. It was dry, but cold, grey and windy, so only 24 walkers turned out to blow the cobwebs away. Everyone needed to walk briskly just to stay warm.

Brian backed by Jane, led the Speedies around the town, finishing with a lap of the North Beach. Chris, supported by Marlene, took the unusually small Steadies group around the other way. The two groups crossed on the North Walk, but most of them met again in the Old Chapel, where the New Year welcome was as warm as ever.

The following week, 35 members made their way to Neyland for the club’s more usual start of the year outing. After the recent very wintry weather, ice remained a problem and some couldn’t even get out of their drive. It was a glorious sunny winter’s day, but vigilance was needed to avoid the black ice lurking in the shady spots.

Starting from Neyland Marina, Brian and Kym led the Speedies up the historic and scenic Brunel’s way at their usual brisk pace. Barbara and Kym took the Steadies the same way, but at a more sedate speed. Everyone turned around after half an hour and made their way back to the yacht club, who very kindly provided hot drinks. This was another great morning out for on and all.

On the 17th , 41 members met at Battery Gardens on a very pleasant winter’s day. Jane and Brian took the Speedies via the beaches to reach the North Beach zigzag. Kym and Chris took the Steadies round the edges of the town to get to the same place. Both groups then headed to the Scout and Guide Hall for an in-house coffee, laid on by the two Barbaras. Much chat flowed back and forth, then Chair Jane went through the arrangements for the club’s AGM.

On the 24th the club’s collective luck ran out as Storm Ingrid barrelled through the county. It was very wet and very windy. Sixteen intrepid, if mildly mad, members turned up at Kilgetty to walk to Saundersfoot. On this occasion, everyone walked as one group along the shorter route, down Errox Hill to St Issell’s Church and on to the village via Coppet Hall. Everyone got rather soggy, but enjoyed the refreshments at the end.

On the 31st, 35 enthusiastic walkers turned out at Battery Gardens, for the final walk of the month. After a cold, wet and windy night, the weather remained very uncertain, but it stayed dry for the whole walk.

Kym and Barbara led the Speedies around the seaward edges of the town before finishing with a lap of the North Beach. Jane and Chris followed along with the Steadies, but stayed on the North Walk rather than the beach.

Both groups met again having decided to go around castle Hill opposite ways, all ending in Castle Square. From there they scattered to find refreshments.

The club organises walks lasting up to an hour, every Saturday, year round. For more information about the club, visit www.steps2health.org.uk or call 07967 056466.