Good turnout for Comino walk

The continuing good weather was all that was needed to entice a total of 230 people to join The Malta Geographical Society's recent trip to Comino.

After a calm crossing from Sliema Ferries, Captain Morgan's boat arrived at the Blue Lagoon, where - apart from a few who preferred to relax by the sea - the walkers set off at 10.30 a.m. The walk was led by Dr Andy Welch, a former chairman of the Society who knows Comino well, along a route which took in the most interesting features of the island.

The first stop was St Mary's Tower, built by Grand Master Wignacourt in 1618, followed by St Mary's Battery, built between 1714 and 1716. By courtesy of Din l-Art Helwa, the walkers were able to go inside these important structures, both of which enjoy commanding views.

The walk continued to the chapel and then, after a break for lunch at Santa Maria Bay, proceeded to the Blue Lagoon for the return to Sliema, arriving at 5.30 p.m.

Many of those who had not previously walked on Comino remarked that the island seemed much larger than they had expected, and were surprised that there was so much of interest to be seen. The society has decided to make this an annual event and hopes that even more will take part in future years.

The society organises three walks in Malta every month. One route is followed on each of two Saturdays and the other on a Wednesday.

Non-members may join the walks, subject to places being available on - and payment being paid for - the buses which have to be booked for the Saturday walks.

Details are available on www.maltageographical.org, where information about how to join can also be found.