August has brought some changeable weather, including a couple days that could have been mistaken for summer, writes Paul Morris.
We launched our month with a Nordic Walk around St Anne's Head on August 3. The area commands beautiful views of the Pembrokeshire coast and is also seeped in history. Starting from the car park at the former Royal Naval Air Station at Kete, the five walkers followed the path along the cliff edge with views of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm Islands. The walkers rejoined the coast path to reach Mill Bay, where Henry Tudor landed in 1485. Continuing on, they had a picnic whilst admiring the views across to Angle, Freshwater West and Linney Head, before returning to Kete.
On August 5, after heavy overnight rain, 17 Saturday walkers took the bus to Manorbier to escape the madness in Tenby. The Speedies climbed up past the church to reach King's Quoit cromlech, before returning via the beach to the bottom of the castle. From there, they followed the same route as the Steadies ahead of them, past the ancient dovecote, then a circuit around the castle to reach the finish at the Beach Break cafe.
The next Nordic walk on Thursday 10 had an excellent turnout of 13 for a flat 4 mile loop through Minwear Woods. The route took them from the car park near Blackpool Mill, along the banks of the Eastern Cleddau. Turning inland they passed the remains of the medieval Sisters House then on to the 12th century Minwear Church. After a picnic stop, when the sun almost made an appearance, they returned to the start.
On Saturday 12, there was an excellent turnout of 27 walkers for a trip to Broadhaven North. It was another windy day, with short but squally showers.
The Speedies slogged up the steep path through Haroldston Woods to reach the Coast Path for the return to the start. The Steadies took a shorter, flatter but equally attractive route along the sea front and around the Slash Ponds boardwalk. Both groups finished at the youth hostel cafe with it's tempting coffee and cake.
On Thursday 17, the weather fooled the nine Nordic walkers on their walk around the headland at Martin's Haven. Well prepared with sun hats and cream, they enjoyed a lovely start, with warm weather and delightful scenery. However the final section approaching Marloes Sands was quite scary when the weather changed and the wind came up. An added bonus on this lovely cliff top walk was the season's first sighting of a seal pup with its well camouflaged parents.
On Saturday Aug 19, 32 walkers turned out for a local walk outside Tenby. The Speedies walked along the historic old causeway through the Nabbs. This is always quiet and feels remote despite its closeness to the busyness of Kiln Park. The Steadies also went through Kiln Park, exiting via the Salterns car park, to return to the town.
On Thursday 24, 9 Nordic walkers had a very pleasant, serene woodland walk in the Slebech estate. Starting at the now splendid looking Blackpool Mill, they took the slightly muddy path to Slebech Hall. After a brief stop to admire the terraced fruit and vegetable garden overlooking the river, they continued on the circular path around the estate. Back at the hall, the riverside seats and unexpected sunshine were perfect for a picnic lunch.
On Saturday 26, the weather was somewhat autumnal, but the threatened heavy showers held off. The walkers met at New Hedges for a stroll into town. The Speedies tackled the energetic route via Waterwynch and the Coast Path. The Steadies took the gentler route via Slippery Back and the fields. The goats in the graveyard were busy eating the brambles, but kept their distance as the walkers passed by.
