The Ramblers Association has launched its Walks Programme for April and May.

Those who wish to join are provided with route directions and points of interest in specific areas, which include heritage trails, traditional and devotional re-enactments and agro- tourism.

On the four walks from Sunday to April 24, will be a group of Italian ramblers who believe the Maltese archipelago, with its secluded beaches, rock formations, scenic views, varied flora and a countryside rich in archaeological and historical remains can offer some of the most exciting walks in the Mediterranean.

Since the publication of a four-page feature on the Maltese Islands in the international magazine Country Walking, the Ramblers' Association has been inundated with requests for information from several European Ramblers' groups.

The walks have been carefully graded to suit the needs of the increasing membership.

Some walks need particular care and the number of participants is restricted but everybody will be given the chance to try 'wilderness rambling'.

Walks programme April - May 2009

April 4 - Miġra Ferħa to Ras id-Dawwara to Mtahleb (scenic):
Restricted. Moderate with some steep inclines and some rough terrain. Duration: three hours.

April 5 - The Four St Marias of the North (scenic and cultural):
Moderate but long. Duration: eight hours.

April 19 - Rabat, Dingli, Megalithic Temples (scenic and archaeological):
Non-circular. Moderate to hard with uneven terrain at times. Duration: five to six hours.

April 21 - The wild west (scenic):
Non-circular. Moderate to hard with some steep inclines and rough terrain. Duration: five to six hours.

April 22 - Marfa and l-Aħrax (scenic):
Moderate with very rough terrain and moderate incline. Duration: four to five hours.

April 25 - Mġiebaħ, Selmun, Mistra ( scenic and historical):
Hard, with steep inclines and declines and rough terrain most of the way. Duration: four hours.

April 26 - Up and down the three ridges from Xemxija to Ċirkewwa (scenic/historical):
Not for the faint-hearted. Much of the route is moderate but it also includes very difficult terrain and three very steep gradients. Duration: about five hours.

May 3 - Maritime cities and forts including St Angelo, Villa Bichi and the Maritime Museum:
Very easy walking on smooth surfaces. Duration: four hours.

May 9 - Qolla and Wardija including a visit to olive-oil processing facility (archaeological/cultural):
Moderate on uneven terrain and steep inclines and declines. Durat ion: two hours. Olive oil tasting: 1 hour.

May 17 - Mellieħa mystery walk (scenic/cultural):
Easy on moderate terrain. Duration: five hours.

May 23 - Comino (scenic/historical):
Some easy walking on uneven terrain. Duration: three to four hours but the stay on Comino may be extended.

May 27 - Wardija ridge including San Pawl Milqgħi Chapel and Roman remains (scenic/historical):
Moderate with some incline and uneven terrain. Duration: three hours.