FAMILIES are invited to participate in various walks across the Maldon District to get fit and active and to enjoy the scenery of the Dengie Peninsula.

Fitsteps, which offers a unique set of activities cross between dance and fitness, will be leading the walks around the district throughout the last few days of January and during February.

Beginning on Thursday, walks will set off from The Blackwater Leisure Centre and the GP surgery in Southminster High Street, covering distances between two to three miles each time.

The option of a two mile walk which will take around 45 minutes and a four mile walk which will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Throughout various dates in January and February, walks will take place in Maldon, Mundon, Goldhanger, Tillingham, Heybridge and Burnham.

These walks aim to give families, couples or individuals a chance to experience some scenic walking routes around the Maldon District whilst enjoying health benefits and social time.

Fitsteps, which also incorporates Country Walks for the Over 50s, is a working from home accredited walking for health scheme supported by Maldon District Council, Provide Community Services Enterprise and other community groups.

The walking schemes aims to increase health and well-being by promoting regular and brisk walking by providing led walks of one to three miles over level terrain three times per week throughout the Maldon and South Chelmsford area.

Walking makes you feel good, and Fitsteps provides an opportunity to have fun and meet new people.

The health walks are scheduled on a weekly basis and include two walks of up to 4 miles in more challenging terrains, with easier distances of one to two miles being held in Promenade Park.

All walks will be free to attend but the district council ask for registration pre event. The route will pass over many different terrains so you will need to ensure that you are able to cope with rough ground and stiles.

Walks begin on Thursday morning at 10am from Maldon and Southminster and will then take place on January 31 in Heybridge, February 3 and 23 in Tillingham and February 9 in Goldhanger.

Call 01621 876268 or 01621 876240 to sign up.