Walking is a gentle form of exercise and good for all ages and abilities; but do talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about starting exercise. Led walks are a great way to make new friends but you can also do these walks in your own time, and with friends and family. Please wear comfortable clothes and footwear and bring a drink.
We try to ensure that cafes and toilets are available on walks but sometimes this isn't possible. Walks do not run on public & bank holidays and may be cancelled in severe weather. If you have questions about this, or any other aspects of Healthwalks please get in touch.
To get the most out of your Healthwalk aim to: 1. Start slowly, allow yourself time to warm up. 2. Walk briskly so that you feel warmer, feel your heart beat a little faster, and breathe a little faster, but are still able to talk comfortably. 3. Slow down for the last five minutes of your walk, to allow your heart rate to return to normal. 4. Walk for 30 minutes five or more times a week.
Why Walking is so good for you! It's a great way to start being active. It can help keep you flexible. It can help you feel less stressed. It burns the same amount of calories as jogging. It can reduce your risk of certain cancers. It can reduce your risk of diabetes. It can improve your blood pressure. It can halve your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Our walks
Seafront Route: A gentle walk, just under a mile, between the Brighton Pier and the West Pier Playground. Those who want a longer walk can continue on to the Lawns Cafe. Wheelchair and buggy friendly. Meet at Brighton Pier Tuesdays 10am. (Buses: 11, 77, 5, 25, 49, 1, 7) (pay on-street parking)
Sheepcote Valley: A moderate walk of around 3 miles with some hills. Explore parts of Sheepcote Valley, a site of Nature Conservation Importance and enjoy the stunning views. Meet at the Pavilion Cafe, East Brighton Park, Wednesdays 10am. (Buses: 1, 1a, 1b & 1c, 21 & 21b, 84) (free parking by the cafe)
Hove Park: A lovely gentle one mile walk around Historic Hove Park. Ideal for those wanting to start some gentle activity. Wheelchair & buggy friendly. Meet at the Park Cafe Mondays at 10:15am. (Buses: 5b, 29, 27a)
Portslade / Benfield Valley: A lovely moderate 3-3.5 mile walk for those that feel a bit more adventurous. The route follows the edge of the South Downs with great views and lots of local history. Meet at Sainsbury's Superstore shop entrance off Old Shoreham Road ( by the cash machines ) Saturdays at 11am. (Buses: 6 and 6a, 46 & 46a, 66) (free parking at the superstore)
Hove Polyclinic: A gentle 1.5 mile walk from the Polyclinic along Nevill Avenue to Greenleas Rec. and the edges of the South Downs. Includes lunch stop-off at Hangleton Manor. Wheelchair and buggy friendly. Meet at the entrance to the Polyclinic Building, Marshall Way, off Nevill Avenue First and third Wednesdays at 12pm Buses 5A Free parking available at the poly clinic
Queen's Park: A chance to walk off the Sunday dinner with this picturesque 1.5 mile walk around one of Brighton's most popular parks. The route includes a stroll down to the seafront. The park has a lake, a cafe and large playground. Wheelchair and buggy accessible. Meet at the South Avenue entrance by the playground Sundays at 2pm. (Buses: 37b, 2981a/b/c) (pay on-street parking)
Preston Park: A very friendly and popular easy/moderate 1.5mile walk around the city's biggest public park. Includes a chance to explore Preston Manor gardens and churchyard and walkers can choose between a shorter and longer route. The walk finishes at the Rotunda Cafe. Wheelchair and buggy accessible Meet at the Rotunda cafe, Stanford Avenue at the end of the Park. Mondays at 10am (Buses: 5, 5a, 17, 40, 40x, 273) (some free parking around perimeter of park)
Stanmer Park: Walk 1: A fantastic 2-3 mile walk, with some hills, exploring Stanmer Park and surrounding countryside. The walk finishes at the Stanmer Village Tea Rooms. Meet outside the Village Tea Rooms. 1st Sunday of the month at 10.45am (Buses: 78 direct to Stanmer Church) (some free parking in the park)
Walk 2: A lovely 2 mile countryside walk, with some hills, through the Open Access land in the East of the park, including Millbank Wood. There are some beautiful views and the walk includes a stop-off at the Village Tea Rooms, before returning to the park gates. Meet at park gates off Lewes Road. Thursdays at 11am. (Buses: 25/a/b/c) (some free parking in the park)
Hollingbury Hill Fort: This 2.5 mile walk, with some hills, takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside that borders the city. Explore Hollingbury Woods, the Hilll Fort and Wild Park. There are some spectacular views. The walk ends at the Sure Start Cafe. Meet at the Sure Start Centre, Brentwood Road, Wednesdays at 11am. (Buses: 50, 50a) (free on-street parking)