Huge crowds turned out to participate in this year’s Palm Sunday Walk, which comprised a five-mile stroll through Pembroke.

Organised by the Bermuda National Trust, the event began and ended at the Berkeley Institute — with walkers following a course that passed Government House, North Shore Road, Mission Lane, Pembroke Marsh and Marsh Folly, St Augustine’s Anglican Church, Cottage Hospital, Fort Hamilton, Union and Angle Streets, Princess Street, The Centre, St John’s Church and Euclid Avenue.

This was the 43rd year of the walk, which promotes appreciation of the National Trust.

After the event, participant Ramona Douglas conceded that she had struggled due to the hilly nature of the route.

“My friend encouraged me to do the walk, but I grumbled from the beginning to the middle,” she said.

“After that, it was all downhill. I’m very tired but I enjoyed it.”

Debutant Jackie Tyler told The Royal Gazette: “Normally I spend Palm Sunday at home in bed, and by this time I’ve had a cocktail.

“I was glad to do the walk though, because there were sights I had never seen before, and I haven’t been to Pembroke Marsh in more than 50 years.”

Linda Stemphlet said she enjoyed the camaraderie among participants.

“It was very friendly, we interacted with a lot of people we’d never even met before,” she added. Meanwhile, Winnette Trimm said she looks forward to the event every year.

“I’ve done the walk many times,” she added. “Last year it rained, but this year the weather held out for us — thank the Lord. We didn’t need it to rain on top of climbing all the hills.”

Rosina Hardtman took part this year with her niece Meshalae Hayward-Furqan and her friend Keitha Simmons.

“This is something we participate in most years,” she said.

“The walk wasn’t too bad,” said Ms Hayward-Furqan. “I’m just happy the sun wasn’t out.”

Ms Simmons added: “It was really pleasant weather; the hill on Mission Lane was a killer though. It’s great to see bits of the island you normally wouldn’t see.”