The first Saturday of August was nice and bright, but not too warm, as 37 club members gathered in Penally. Backed by Brian, Barbara led the Speedies up the long hill past the First World War training trenches, while Donna supported by Chris and Annie, led the Steadies via Crossing Cottage to the South Beach. The Steadies were only small dots in the distance, by the time the Speedies came down off Giltar Head. Both groups were able to enjoy the classic view of Tenby growing ever closer, as they crossed the sands. To complete their morning out, most of the walkers finished at the fundraising coffee morning in St Teilo’s church hall.

Saturday 10 started as a dismal foggy day. Despite the weather and online rumours of right wing riots, 28 steadfast walkers gathered at Battery Gardens. Kym, supported by Jane, led the Speedies on the “Up and Up and Up” walk to Allen’s View and back. Chris and Annie, backed by Donna, led the Steadies on a flatter variant of the walk, missing out the vigorous climb to Allen’s View. All the walkers finished at Church Hall for a fundraising coffee morning for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, organised by the St Mary’s Handbell Ringers. This was well attended by the community and holiday makers, we were delighted to add our support. By lunchtime, the sun came out and the quiet, peaceful “Welcome to Refugees” demonstrators were starting to disperse.

On Saturday 17, hints of the autumn to come were becoming more apparent. As 35 walkers headed for Saundersfoot, it was quite cool and windy. The cloud base waved up and down bringing patches of drizzly mist. Starting from the harbour, Kym backed by Brian, led the Speedies onto Glen Beach towards Monkstone keeping up a brisk pace. Chris, supported by Jane, followed behind at a gentler pace. With an eye to the time, the Steadies turned around first. The Speedies didn’t quite make it all the way to Monkstone Head because of the state of the tide. Back at the harbour head, the groups scattered after their invigorating walks. All-day breakfasts were mentioned more than once.

Saturday 24 was sunny and windy as the remnants of Storm Lillian blew through. 32 walkers made their way to Carew Castle. Jane, supported by Kym, led the Speedies uphill across the fields, towards the local quarry. Donna, backed by Chris and Annie, led the Steadies down the lane, past the old mill and all the way around the millpond back to the castle cafe. In front of the castle, a re-enactment group were busy entertaining the visitors with their martial routines. The Steadies were soon joined by the Speedies who had completed their longer walk. Although the cakes on offer were very good, no-one stayed too long at the cafe, as it was plagued by hordes of persistent wasps.

Finally, on the last day of summer, we had a glorious day. The walking group had its highest turnout of the season at 39, maybe the weather had something to do with that too. Brian, backed by Jane, led the Speedies onto the South Beach to see how far they could get in an hour. Chris, supported by Barbara, led the Steadies around the old favourite “Sea Views” walk. It was a joy to be out walking on such a day and the chatter flowed merrily back and forth. When the Steadies reached the North Beach zigzag, they climbed up to the Norton and headed for St Mary’s Church house. They piled into the Arts’ Club coffee morning and set about demolishing all the yummy cake on sale. Right on cue, the Speedies appeared and ate the rest of the cake. This brought to an end an enjoyable walking month. Let’s hope for some nice September weather in the next few weeks.