The Steps2Health walking group started the month of December on a high note.

On Saturday 2, most of the club gathered at Battery Gardens at the later time of 11.15, on a fine, dry morning. After a choice of pre-lunch appetite-raising walks, everyone headed the Giltar Hotel for the club Christmas lunch. 60 sat down to an excellent meal, made even better by great service.

The following Thursday, a small band of four hardcore Nordic walkers abandoned their planned walk for a local route in the most dire weather. Starting from New Hedges they did a circuit via Waterwynch, Allen’s View, Tenby North Beach and Slippery Back. They enjoyed the company and the fun, but not the weather.

On Saturday 9, 26 Saturday walkers made the journey to Pembroke on a sunny, if windy, morning. Because of the recent heavy rain, the boardwalks in Holyland Woods were underwater. This forced a change to the Speedies route to keep their feet dry. The sunny weather and the multitude of ducks and swans on the millponds, all made for a very pleasant and enjoyable walk. Finding refreshments afterwards was a bit of a challenge, but they all managed and went home happy after their morning out.

On Thursday 14, there was a strong turnout of high spirited Nordic Walkers for a walk around Benton Wood. The weather was damp, but everyone enjoyed the walk, especially the mince pies provided by Donna. However, highlight of the day was the Christmas lunch at the ever welcoming Jolly Sailor in Burton. A good time was enjoyed by one and all.

The 16th brought the now traditional Santa walk around the town, bringing to an end the Steps2Health Saturday walking programme for the year. The weather was mild, but the driving drizzle came and went as the cloud base waved up and down. However, once again, the weather couldn’t dampen the cheerful expectation of good things to come. Everyone ended up at St Johns Church for mince pies and hot drinks including mulled wine. The walkers send their thanks to the ladies of the church for looking after them so very well. A large number of walkers then went on to St Mary’s Church, where the handbell ringers, including Barbara and Mary, were holding a Christmas concert.

Thursday 21 was the final Nordic walk of the year. The weather was dry and mild for a last visit to Stackpole Estate. The previous heavy rainfall made for an interesting walk of many diversions. In the words of one of the walkers, “Water water everywhere”. However they all enjoyed the adventure to round off the club’s activities for the year.

The group wishes all readers a Happy New Year. After a short break over the festive season, Steps2Health will be back in action with a Nordic walk tomorrow (January 4) and a Saturday walk at Neyland on January 6.