AFTER a month of great Saturday weather, the first November walk was a shock to all. It seemed mild in Tenby, but Bosherston Lily Ponds have maximum exposure when the wind is blowing off the sea.
Kym, backed by Brian, led the Speedies down the right side of ponds, followed by Barbara and Annie with the Steadies group. A cormorant watched them all file by, without taking much obvious notice. When the Steadies reached the beach they turned left as far as the Green Bridge before retracing their steps to the village. The Speedies went across the beach, but were happy to turn their backs to the wind and continue around the lakes to the finish. The walkers enjoyed the warm welcome at the St Govan’s Inn, who did a roaring trade in bowls of hot cawl.
On November 9, 37 walkers, including three visitors in town for the Blues Festival, gathered at Battery Gardens. Barbara, backed by Brian, led the Speedies on her version of the Up and Up walk. However when they reached the fields above the graveyard, visibility was very poor, hiding the usual stunning vista. Marlene, supported by Donna, led the Steadies around the town walls to the North Beach zigzag, before returning to town via Butts Field and the Glebe. Most of the walkers joined a fund-raising coffee morning at St Teilo’s church hall. As ever, there was plenty of scrumptious cake on offer, to tempt the walkers.
On the 16th, 30 walkers assembled in Narberth car park. Brian, backed by Kym, led the Speedies down Carding Mill Lane. Chris, supported by Marlene and Jane, led the larger Steadies group on a much easier route around the edges of the town. Neither group had got very far before the short, stinging cold showers started. The walkers all stayed cheerful despite the weather. The Speedies were pleased to reach the finish, as the return leg seemed like a very long hill indeed. Everyone soon warmed up and dried out, as the walkers scattered to to seek out their favourite Narberth café.
Storm Bert was at its peak on November 23. It was fairly mild, but the lashing rain and high winds made that quite irrelevant. Sixteen all-weather members turned up at Battery Gardens, but the planned walks were considered too hazardous. Barbara led the whole group on one of her special walks, relying on a lifetime’s knowledge of the back ways of Tenby. This avoided the worst of the wind, but everyone was pleased when she turned into St Teilo’s church hall for the charity coffee morning going on there. Once again the ladies committee had produced their usual spread of delicious goodies. Everyone soon warmed up and even dried out a little, even if they still had to get home.
On the last day of November, 34 hopeful walkers gathered outside Regency Hall in Saundersfoot. It was cold, grey and windy; dry at first, but as Kym led the Speedies towards the tunnel to Coppet Hall driving drizzle started before the first corner. Undeterred, Donna, backed by Chris and Annie followed behind with the Steadies group. At Coppet Hall, Kym led the Speedies to St Issell’s church, then through the woods to return via Incline Way. The Steadies continued on the Coast Path to Wiseman’s Bridge, before turning about and returning to the start. Damp and drizzle soon forgotten, the walkers split into smaller groups and sought out their favourite cafés.