Brighton and Hove Council are giving residents the opportunity to take part in a city-wide challenge to encourage citizens to walk more to improve their health.

In addition, Breeze up to the Downs buses are recommended for getting up to the downs on the city fringe. They will be running to their normal timetable on Boxing Day and New Year's Day - as well as every Sunday, and the Bank Holiday on December 28.
 
Catch one to visit Devil's Dyke (bus 77);  Stanmer  Park (bus 78) and Ditchling Beacon (bus 79).
 
For details of times or information leaflets call 01273 292480 or visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses    
 
For an inner-city walk, there are regular healthwalks over the Christmas/New Year period, ranging from one to three and a half miles - perfect for beginners and getting a taste of the city’s variety of open spaces.
 
Healthwalks take place:
Tuesday, December 29.
Seafront walk (10am, meet at Brighton Pier entrance) – to Marina or Hove Lawns
Castle Hill, Woodingdean, (10.30am, meet at small car park on the right after  Bexhill Road)

Wednesday, December 30.
Sheepcote  Valley (10.15am, meet  East  Brighton  Park café, off  Wilson Avenue
Hollingbury Hill Fort (11am, meet Hollingdean Sure Start,  Brentwood Road)
Easthill  Park (12.30pm, meet Emmaus chapel shop off  Manor Road)

Thursday, December 31.
Hove  Park (10.15am, meet at café)
Stanmer  Park (11am, meet park gates off  Lewes Road)

Saturday, January 2.
Benfield  Valley, Portslade (11am, meet adjacent to Sainsbury’s superstore entrance by cash machines)

Sunday,  January 3.
Stanmer  Park (10.45am, meet Village Tea Rooms)
 
For the full programme, go to:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks
 
The council’s countryside rangers are hosting three New Year’s Day walks through some of the city’s most historic natural landscapes.
Join them from 10am to 2pm for either a coastal walk (meet Undercliff gates, Brighton Marina); a countryside walk from Sheepcote to Whitehawk (meet East Brighton Café) or a longer eight mile stroll over the downs, from Foredown Tower to Devil’s Dyke (meet Foredown Tower entrance).

The council’s JourneyOn campaign is offering a free pedometer and walking pack to those who are willing to sign up and take part in the Pedometer Challenge 2010.
 
Just write your pledge and say how walking will help you become healthier in 2010 (maximum 100 words) and send with your name, address and email to Pedometer Challenge 2010, Room 501, Kings House, Grand Avenue, Hove, BN3 2LS or email journeyon@brighton-hove.gov.uk  

Full details at:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/countryside
 
For more details about walking and cycling opportunities go to: www.journeyon.co.uk