Newport Bay Spring Festival, from 1st to 4th May, this year celebrates the delights and challenges of Pembrokeshire outdoors. The compact, clear and varied leaflet describing events is a model of its kind. The photograph on the cover is of slim children competing in a race and anyone searching for physical challenge will find the opportunity inside. Events include cycling: a 45 mile loop followed by an optional 35 mile loop with spectacular hill, valley and coastal scenery; a junior mountain bike race with "mud and thrills" in the shadow of Carningli; a gentle paced Family Cycle Ride led by an experienced instructor. The running is similarly varied to test the fit and competitive while encouraging others to try less demanding events. Kayaking, an activity some speculate may soon overtake cycling in popularity in this area, provides a chance to compete or just be under the spell of the spectacular cliff and river scenery of the area. A "taster session" in the estuary is available.

Philippa Templeton, a retired solicitor from Derbyshire, after collecting a leaflet from one of the Newport Shops, says, "I am amazed how the Festival has developed and how much they have packed in this year. We usually come here three or four times a year when we rent a cottage and that is for the horse riding in the Preselis or walking the coastal path. This year I might try a kayak taster session as I have heard so much about them."

The leaflet is in Welsh and English and the programme provides a summary of events laid out with a clarity that many more famous festivals might envy. Details, tickets and registration forms: www.newport-pembs.co.uk ; enquiries@newportbayspringfestival.com or telephone: 01239 820912 / 01239 820352