Healthwalks Summer – Autumn Programme of Walks & Events May-October 2014
Welcome to the spring to autumn led Healthwalks Programme for 2014, covering May right through to the end of October. As ever, the programme is packed with a range of free walks to help you get out and about, gain the benefits of gentle exercise and meet new people.
There’s information on all our regular Healthwalks, and a calendar of special one-off and themed walks ranging from easy urban ones of under a mile, to more challenging countryside walks. All the walks are clearly graded with green ones ideal for those who are just starting to get active (or who have limited time) to red walks which will take up to 90 minutes and may include hills/uneven walk surfaces. New for this programme we also have a range of ‘progression walks’ for those that want to further improve their fitness and stamina. Brighton & Hove Healthwalks is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council Sports Development and Public Health teams. It has been providing a programme of free regular walks for over ten years. About a thousand people each year walk with us across the city’s wonderful urban parks, countryside and open spaces. If you would like to request a programme in another language, please contact [email protected] or call 01273 292564.
If you are going on your first Healthwalk, please arrive ten minutes early to complete the simple registration process. Or you can do this in advance by downloading the forms from www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks - follow the ‘Healthwalks Programme’ link. You can then fill these out and take them with you on your first walk.
Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for the walk you are attending (the walk grading section should help you) and check weather forecasts so you know if you will need sunscreen, water, etc. Health and Getting the most out of walking
To get the most out of any walking you do, aim to do the middle section of your walk at a brisk pace. You will know you are walking at a brisk pace that is right for you if you:
a) feel your heart beat a bit faster, b) feel a bit warmer, c) are breathing a bit faster,
…but are able to comfortably have a conversation. Walking at any pace is good for you, but brisk walking exercises your heart and lungs, and means you will burn as many calories as jogging!
Walk grading
easy/beginners () easy/moderate () moderate/challenging () Wheelchair friendly () Walk includes some hills (hills symbol) Refreshments (refreshments) Buggy friendly (buggy symbol) Family friendly () Toilets ()
Visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks for more information. For information on the national Walking for Health scheme visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk
Contact Details:
Scheme Manager – Corinna Edwards-Colledge, corinna.edwards-colledge@brighton- hove.gov.uk Volunteer Co-ordinator – Darren Currell, [email protected] Healthwalks, Sports Development, Kings House, Grand Avenue, Hove BN3 2LS. 01273 292564 Find us on Twitter @healthwalksBH and Facebook www.facebook.com/sportandactivity
Healthwalks is part of our oneplanetcity strategy: www.brightonhove.gov.uk/oneplanetcity
Special & Themed Walks
May
Sun 4 May LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) & Friends walk, 2pm. Meet at the arch entrance to Queen’s Park, South Avenue. Join the group in Queen’s Park for a lovely, easy walk around this city oasis. (In association with BLAGSS). Bus 1, 1a, 2, 2a, 7, 23. (,, refreshments, hills)
Bank Holiday Monday 5 May Around the City Challenge Walk Leg 1 of 6, Wheel to Windmill! 10.45am. Meet in front of the Brighton Wheel, goes to Rottingdean Windmill with Challenge Walk Leader Maire McQueeney. Start our marathon length walk around the boundary of Brighton & Hove with a 4 mile seafront walk past shingle beaches, beneath towering white cliffs and ending at Rottingdean. Bus Start point: any bus that stops at the Old Steine. Rottingdean: 12 &12a, 14 & 14a, 27, b & c. ()
Sat 10 May Orchards in Bloom Healthwalk,10.30am. Meet at the bus stop on Swanborough Drive, Whitehawk. A chance to see our beautiful city orchards in blossom with this lovely linear walk from Racehill Community Orchard to the traditional orchard at Stanmer. There will be a guided talk en-route to point out local biodiversity and when we reach Stanmer, there will be a talk about pollinating insects, and blossom. All this rounded up with a cooking demonstration using seasonal and local produce and food to share! 4 miles. Bus 1, 1a, 21. (, refreshments, some hills)
Wed 14 May Art Walk: Picturesque Rottingdean 1 – 3pm. Meet on The Green by the pond. An easy walk around historic Rottingdean and Kipling Gardens and time to stop and sketch the sights. With Art Walk Leader Sheila Sheppard. Bus 12 & 12a, 14 & 14a. (, refreshments)
Tues 20/27 May & 3/10 June Nordic Walking Basic Training, 11 – 12.30pm. Meet at Hove Park café. Take the basic four week Nordic Walking Course and learn more about this way of walking that exercises all parts of the body. It is offered at a subsidised cost of £20pp for Healthwalkers. To book on the course contact [email protected] and quote ‘Healthwalks’. Once you have completed this course, you can attend our Nordic Progression walks. Bus 5b. (refreshments, )
Bank Holiday Monday 26 May Around the City Challenge Walk Leg 2 of 6, Rottingdean to Falmer, 10.45am. Meet at the pond on The Green, Rottingdean High Street, finishes at Falmer Village. A 5 mile hilly walk via Saltdean passing Castle Hill National Nature Reserve. (, refreshments)
Sat 31 May Parks & Flowers Walk, 1pm. Meet at The Pepperpot at the top of Queen’s Park Road.* Please walk or come by public transport as this is not a circular walk. A magical tour of some of the city’s best parks to enjoy the thousands of bulbs and flowering plants and trees that will be in full bloom for the start of Summer! Starts at Queen’s Park then on to The Level and Preston Park, with the option to end there or at St Ann’s Well Garden. 3-5 miles. (refreshments, )
June
Sun 1 June LGBT & Friends walk, 2pm. Meet at the Peace Statue. Join the group for a stroll along lovely Hove seafront finishing at the Lagoon. (In association with BLAGSS). (,, refreshments)
Sat 7 June Around the City Challenge Walk Leg 3 of 6, Falmer to Patcham, 10.45am. Meet at Falmer pond, South Street, Falmer. A 5 mile walk through university campus, majestic woodland and downland, passing The Chattri. Bus 28 & 29 to Falmer Village or 25 & 23.
Wed 11 June Helpful Herbs Walk, 1pm. Meet at the entry arch, South Avenue. A special version of our regular Queen’s Park walk with Medical Herbalist and Walk Leader, Julia Behrens. Learn about how plants can improve your health and identify weeds that heal! Followed by herbal tea in the wildlife area of the park where Julia has planted a herb garden. Bus 1, 1a, 2, 2a, 7, 23. (,, refreshments)
Wed 11 June Art Walk, Preston Park, 1pm - 3pm. Meet at the Rotunda Café. Enjoy a stroll around these beautiful gardens, with time to stop and sketch. With Art Walk Leader Sheila Sheppard. Bus 5, 5a, 5b. (,, refreshments)
Sat 14 June The Level Grand Opening History Walk, 1pm. Meet at the south entrance of the park. Join in the festivities to mark the grand opening of the wonderfully restored Level with this historical tour. The opening event runs from 10am to 6pm and includes stalls and activities for all the family. Plus a family quiz for walkers! ( refreshments, )
Sun 22 June Sussex Festival of Nature 11am – 5pm. Workshops all day. Come and visit the Healthwalks stall and make a ‘Seedbomb’ at our special workshop with Josie Jeffery from Seedfreedom. There are loads of fantastic wildlife inspired activities throughout the day for all ages. Bus 25 & 78. ( refreshments, )
Wed 25 June TAKEPART Family Walk & Treasure Hunt! 4.30pm - 6pm. Meet at St Ann’s Well Gardens Park Café. A fun intergenerational treasure hunt for all the family – follow clues to complete the course and win a prize! Bus 81b/c & 7. ( refreshments, )
Thurs 26 June TAKEPART Learning Disabilities Walk 11.15am - 12.15pm. Meet at the Hove Park Cafe. A gentle stroll around lovely Hove Park for people with learning disabilities and their friends and carers. 1.5 miles, finishes at the park café for tea and a chat! Bus 5b. ( refreshments, )
Fri 27 June Bevendean Down Butterfly Walk. Time TBC, please contact [email protected] for details. Join Cityparks Ranger Garry Meyer and the Friends of Bevendean Down for this lovely walk and find out more about these beautiful creatures. ( )
Sat 28 June Around the City Challenge Walk Leg 4 of 6, Patcham to Devil’s Dyke, 10.45am. Meet at Patcham Clocktower, Vale Avenue. A hilly 4 mile walk with amazing views via Saddlescombe Farm. Bus 5a, 5b. ( refreshments, some hills)
July
Sat 5 July Around the City Challenge Walk Leg 5 of 6, Devil’s Dyke to Old Portslade, 10.45am. Meet near the bus stop at Devil’s Dyke car park adjacent to Dyke Tavern. 3 miles. Downhill from the dramatic landscape of Devil’s Dyke to historic Portslade via The Monarch’s Way. Bus 77. ( refreshments, )
Sun 6 July LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) & Friends walk, 2pm. Meet at Brighton Pier. Join the group for a stroll along lively Brighton seafront finishing at the Marina. (In association with BLAGSS). (,, refreshments)
Tues 8 July Castle Hill Butterfly Walk, 11am – 1pm. Meet at the small car park near the junction of Falmer Road and Bexhill Road, Woodingdean. Join Access to Nature Officer Huw Morgan and Michael Blencowe from the Sussex Wildlife Trust for a walk around beautiful Castle Hill and a chance to find out more about the wonderful butterflies that call this National Nature Reserve home. Bus 2, 2a, 22. (, some hills )
Wed 9 July Art Walk, Patcham Village, 1pm – 3pm Meet at the bus stop outside the Black Lion Hotel. Sketch pretty Patcham Village and the Dovecote and enjoy some gentle exercise. With Art Walk Leader Sheila Sheppard. Bus 5a,56. (, refreshments)
Fri 11 July Glow Worm Walk, 10.30pm – 12.30am Meet outside Hangleton Manor Pub, Valley Drive, Hove. Join the Friends of Benfield Valley for the return of our popular Glow-worm walk - a great opportunity to find out more about these fascinating and increasingly rare creatures. This is a pre-book event, email [email protected] Bus 5b. ( some hills )
Fri 11/18/25 July & 1 August Nordic Walking Basic Training 11am – 12.30pm Meet at Hove Park Café. Take the basic four week Nordic Walking Course and learn more about this way of walking that exercises all parts of the body. It is offered at a subsidised cost of £20pp for Healthwalkers. To book on the course contact [email protected] and quote ‘Healthwalks’. Once you have completed this course you can attend our Nordic Progression walks. Bus 5b. (refreshments, )
Wed 16 July Best of the Biosphere, Hollingbury Hillfort, 11am. Meet at Hollingdean Sure Start Centre, Brentwood Road. A special version of our regular Hillfort Healthwalk, with Biosphere officer Rich Howorth. Find out what a ‘Biosphere’ is, why it’s important to our city and see the boundaries of it from the spectacular Hillfort viewing points. 2.5 miles. Bus 50. ( refreshments, some hills)
Sun 20 July LGBT & Friends Pride Walk – Freedom to Live, 2pm. Meet outside Legends Bar, Marine Parade. Celebrate the start of Pride with this lovely circular walk from Legends through Queen’s Park and back to the bar for refreshments. Feel ‘free’ to come in fancy dress if you dare! (In association with BLAGSS). Bus 12, 14 & 27 or any bus that stops at the Old Steine. (,, refreshments, some hills)
Sat 26 July Around the City Challenge Walk Leg 6 of 6, Old Portslade to Brighton Pier, 10.45am. Meet at St Nicholas Church, South Street, Portslade Village. A 4 mile final walk through parkland and twittens to our grand seaside promenade ending at Brighton Pier. ( refreshments, some hills)
Bus Any bus that goes along Western Road. August
Mon 4 Aug WW1 Commemorative Walk to the Chattri Memorial, 5.30pm. Meet at Ladies Mile Pub, 2 Mackie Avenue. Commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War 1 with this special evening Healthwalk to the historic Chattri Memorial, set in beautiful downland countryside. Bus 5, 5a. (, refreshments, some hills)
Wed 13 Aug Art Walk, On the farm, 1pm – 3pm. Meet at Mile Oak Farm Café. Enjoy a lovely walk around Mile Oak Farm with time to stop and sketch the beautiful scenery and delightful farm animals. With resident Healthwalk Leader artist Sheila Sheppard. Bus 1, 1a. (, refreshments)
Sat 23 Aug Beacon Hill Wildlife Walk, 10am – 12 noon. Meet at the Rottingdean Tesco Metro on the coast road. Join Cityparks Ranger Charlie Yates for this fascinating look at how grazing helps flowers and insects flourish. Bus 12, 12a, 14, 14a. (refreshments, some hills )
Sun 24/31 Aug Nordic Walking Basic Training 10.30am – 12 noon. Meet at Hove Park Café. Take the basic four week Nordic Walking Course (third & fourth weeks are 7 & 14 Sept) and learn more about this way of walking that exercises all parts of the body. It is offered at a subsidised cost of £20pp for Healthwalkers. To book on the course contact [email protected] and quote ‘Healthwalks’. Once you have completed this course you can attend our Nordic Progression walks. (refreshments, )
September
Sun 7 Sept LGBT & Friends walk, 2pm. Meet at the park café. Come to Hove, actually, for this exploration of delightful Hove Park (In association with BLAGSS). Bus 5b. (,, refreshments)
Wed 10 Sept Art Walk, Patcham Windmill & Green Ridge, 1pm - 3pm. Meet at Hill Top Café, Dyke Road. Explore this lovely bit of downland and the historic windmill and sketch the lovely views. With resident Art Walk Leader Sheila Sheppard. Bus 77. (, refreshments)
Thurs 11 Sept Heritage Walk, Regency Town House, 9.30am – 11am & Brunswick, 11.30am – 1pm. Meet at the Regency Town House, 13 Brunswick Square. Join curator Nick Tyson for a tour of the Regency Town House followed by the Brunswick Town Walk – an exploration of the town’s early development using 19th century newspaper and diary entries. The walk will cover approximately 1.5 miles (an easy walk). We will offer other walks and tours, for further information visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk (,, refreshments)
October
Sun 5 Oct LGBT & Friends walk, 2pm. Meet at St Ann’s Well Gardens Café. Explore this lovely city centre park, full of hidden gems and secret gardens. (In association with BLAGSS). Bus 81b/c & 7. (,, refreshments)
Wed 8 Oct Art Walk Stunning Stanmer, 1pm – 3pm. Meet at the Lodge Gates. Team up some gentle exercise with artistic endeavour with this lovely walk around Brighton & Hove’s jewel in the crown, Stanmer Park. Hosted by Healthwalk Leader Artist Sheila Sheppard. Bus 25. (, refreshments)
Fri 10 Oct Fungal Foray! 11am. Meet at the Hikers Rest Pub on Coldean Lane (near the junction with Lewes Road). Enjoy a lovely walk in Coldean and Stanmer Great Wood with Cityparks Ranger Chantelle and Fungi & truffle expert Melissa Waddingham! This is a pre-book walk, email [email protected].
Regular Healthwalks
Mondays
Preston Park (1.5 miles) 10am. Meet at Rotunda café, Stanford Avenue end of the park. A very friendly and popular 1.5 mile walk around the city’s biggest public park, including Preston Manor gardens and churchyard. Bus 5, 5a, 5b, 17, 40, 40x, 273. (refreshments)
St Ann’s Well Gardens (2 miles) 1pm. Meet by the Garden Café. Explore this lovely city centre park, with option also offered for longer out of park walk. Bus 81b/c, 7. (refreshments)
Tuesdays
Castle Hill/Woodingdean (2 miles) 10.30am. Meet at the small carpark on Falmer Rd at the junction with Bexhill Rd. A 2 mile circular walk exploring this stunning chalk grassland National Nature Reserve in Woodingdean. Bus 2/2a (Down’s Hotel Stop), 22 (Last Bexhill Road stop). (Some hills, )
Seafront (1 mile) 10am. Meet a the entrance to Brighton Pier. Start the day with a walk by the sea! Options to walk eastward to Brighton Marina or westward to Hove Lawns. Bus Any bus that stops at the Old Steine. (refreshments)
Wednesdays
NEW! Earlybird Brisk Seafront Walk (3 miles) 7.15am – 8am. Meet at the corner of Coleman Avenue and Portland Rd, Hove A brisk-paced walk along Hove seafront. This is a more challenging walk which is faster paced to raise the heart-rate and help people improve their physical fitness. Bus 49, 46, 2. ()
Sheepcote Valley (3 miles) 10am. Meet at East Brighton Park café, off Wilson Avenue. Enjoy panoramic views and a wealth of wildlife at this Site of Nature Conservation Importance. Bus 1 a/b/c, 7, 21 (refreshments, some hills)
Hollingbury Hill Fort (2.5 miles) 11am. Meet at the Hollingdean Sure Start Children’s Centre, Brentwood Rd. Explore some of the most historic and beautiful countryside that borders the city. Bus 50. (refreshments, some hills)
Brighton Women’s Centre Walk (2 miles) 11.30am. Meet outside Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC), 72 High Street, Kemptown. A chance to meet and chat with other women from around the city. www.womenscentre.org.uk Bus 1, 2, 7, 14, 81. (refreshments, some hills)
Cemeteries Walk 12.30pm, monthly: 14/5, 11/6, 9/7, 13/8, 10/9, 8/10. Meet at The Gladstone Pub, 123 Lewes Rd. Explore the beautiful surroundings and amazing views on offer in Brighton’s extra-mural cemeteries. A circular green (1.5m) or yellow level (2m with hills) walk offered. No dogs, please. Bus 25, 49, 24. (Some hills, )
Queen’s Park Walk (2 miles) 2pm. Meet at the entry arch, South Avenue. An easy level walk taking in this delightful city centre park and its environments. Bus 1, 1a, 2, 2a, 7, 23. (refreshments, some hills)
Thursdays
Hove Park (1.5 miles) 10.15am. Meet at the Park café. A great walk in this lovely historic park, particularly good for beginners and those wanting gentle exercise. Bus 5B. (refreshments)
Stanmer Park (3 miles) 11am. Meet at the park gates Stoney Mere Way off Lewes Road. A lovely 3 mile countryside walk with beautiful views through Millbank wood, finishing at the village tea rooms. Bus 25a/b/c, 23. (refreshments)
Multicultural Women’s Group Walk, Hangleton (1.5 – 2 miles) 10am, 22/5, 12 & 26/6, 11 & 25/09, 09 & 23/10. Meet at St Richard’s Community Centre Egmont Road and from September onwards at Hangleton Community Centre, Harmsworth Crescent. Join Healthwalk Leader Husnul on this friendly women-only walk group. Refreshments available afterwards at the community centre. Bus 16 & 56. (refreshments)
The Level Walk (1.5 miles) 11am. Meet at the southern entrance (St Peters Church end). A lovely 1.5 mile walk taking in all the fantastic new features of the restored Level and its environment. Also includes a brisk-pace walk around the perimeter of the park. Bus Any bus that stops at St Peter’s Church. (refreshments)
Fridays
Patcham (1.5 to 2.5 miles) 10.30am. Meet at the bus stop outside the Co-op, Old London Rd. Three options to walk in this historic area of Brighton: 1: Short to Horsdean Rec Ground and through Patcham Old Village. 2: Medium through woods at Horsdean Rec and through Patcham Church. 3: Long includes walking on to Ladies Mile. *All walks finish at the Black Lion for refreshments and a natter! Bus 5a to Co-op stop. (refreshments, some hills)
Saltdean/Undercliff (3 miles) 11am. Meet outside Saltdean Library. A fantastic walk to Ovingdean Gap returning to Saltdean. Last Friday of the month through to Brighton Marina and beyond if requested. Bus 12, 12a, 14, 14c, 27, 47. (refreshments)
Saturdays
Portslade/Benfield Valley (3 – 3.5 miles) 11am. Meet adjacent to the Sainsbury’s superstore entrance by the cash machines, on the Hangleton Link Road, off Old Shoreham Road. A great walk for those who are feeling a bit adventurous! The route follows the edge of the South Downs and has some fantastic views. Bus 6, 6a, 46, 46a. (refreshments, some hills)
Sundays
Stanmer Park Sunday (3 – 3.5 miles) 10.45am. Meet outside the Village Tea Rooms. A variety of walks through the park exploring the Great Wood and surrounding countryside. Finishes at the Village Tea Rooms. Bus 78 direct to Stanmer Church. (refreshments, some hills)
The Level Sundays (1 mile) 11am, monthly. First Sunday of each month May – August: 4/5, 1/6, 6/7, 3/8. Bus Any bus that stops at St Peter’s Church. (refreshments)
Progression Walks More challenging walks for those who want to go a bit further!
Tuesdays
Falmer & Beyond (5 miles) 1pm. Falmer Church, East Street, Falmer (north side of the pond). A lovely walk taking in Falmer village, the university boundary and finishing at the university for a cuppa and bus-stops! 13/5, 10/6, 8/7, 12/8, 9/9, 14/10. Bus 25 & 23 get off at Mill St Falmer, or the 28 & 29 to Falmer Village.
Wednesday
Nordic Walks (4 miles) 1.30pm. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month. A chance for people who have completed the basic Nordic Walking course* to practice and develop their skills with fellow Nordic Healthwalkers. Those who complete the basic training will be sent full info on these walks. (refreshments, ) *See calendar section for course listings.
Thursday
Stanmer Thursday (5 miles) weekly. Meet at the lodge park gates off Lewes Road. A more challenging version of our Thursday Healthwalk in Stanmer, exploring Open Access Land including Millbank Wood and taking in some beautiful views. Bus 25a/b/c, 23.
Saturdays
Balsdean (4.5 miles) 1pm. Meet at the small car park adjacent from the junction of Falmer Rd and Bexhill Road. A lovely linear walk from Castle Hill, through wonderful downland finishing at Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean. 10/5, 21/6, 12/7, 9/8, 13/9, 11/10.
Sheepcote Saturday (4.5 miles) 11am. Meet at the park café. A longer version of the popular Wednesday Healthwalk coming in at around 4.5 miles. It takes in Ovingdean, the Undercliff and Roedean, before returning to the park café. 3/5, 7/6, 5/7, 9/8, 6/9, 4/10. Bus 1 a/b/c, 7, 21. (refreshments, some hills)
Sundays
Saltdean Under & Overcliff Sundays (3 - 6 miles) 2pm. Meet outside Saltdean Library. Explore this dramatic and beautiful bit of coastline, with a choice of a moderate 3 mile walk to Brighton Marina, or a more challenging walk by walking back to Saltdean Library. The long route will include the under and over-cliff. Last Sunday of each month: 25/5, 29/6, 27/7, 31/8, 28/9, 26/10. Bus 12, 12a, 14, 14c, 27, 47. (refreshments)
Various
John’s Jolly Jaunts Join experienced Healthwalk Leader, John Milsom, for a range of walks in the 4-8 mile range for those who would like to push themselves and explore our local countryside. All are monthly, free and on public transport. For more info email [email protected] or visit the Facebook page by putting ‘John Jolly Jaunts’ into search or follow @healthwalklead on Twitter. More challenging walks f