It is a great pleasure to see the impressive upsurge in environ­mental awareness of the younger generation. People are realising that our beloved country would be a very dismal place if it were to be deprived of its countryside and coastal areas, with their majestic cliffs, archaeological, historical and ecclesiastical heritage.

A walking trip at Għar Lapsi. Photo: Renata ApanavicieneA walking trip at Għar Lapsi. Photo: Renata Apanaviciene

The Church authorities have felt the need to support this aware­ness with a spiritual regene­ration in the form of genuine love of country. Indeed, a collective effort at all levels is absolutely essential in order to conserve and preserve the ever-shrinking natu­ral environ­ment and the artistic heritage that has survived the ravages of time and the insensi­tivity of homo sapiens.

Romantic English poets impress upon us the eternal beauties of the countryside at this time of the year. As I walk past banks of the sweet-scented narċis (Narcissus tazetta), like William Wordsworth, “my heart with pleasure fills/And dances with the daffodils”.

But what captivates me most are the beautiful opening lines of the poem ‘Leisure’ by the poet-tramp William Davies, who had a great love and affinity for the simple things of nature, as he asks: “What is this life if full of care/We have no time to stand and stare?”

The beautiful landscape and scenery at Baħrija. Photo: McCarthy’s PhotoWorksThe beautiful landscape and scenery at Baħrija. Photo: McCarthy’s PhotoWorks

And the mystical poet William Blake marvels how he is able “To see the world in a grain of sand? And heaven in a wild flower”.

All these Maltese delights can be savoured by joining the Ramblers’ group.

With these poetical thoughts the ramblers invite the public to join them in the following fan­tas­tic walks this month.

January walks programme

1. Qrendi/Il-Maqluba/Ħagar Qim Walk
Scenic and historical. Moderate walk. Duration: 3.5 hours.

2. Mosta Mystery Walk (Non-circular)
Scenic. Moderate to hard. Duration: Six hours.

3. Up and Down the Northern Ridge.
Scenic. Moderate. Duration: Four hours

4. Qawra/Bidnija/Wardija
Historical, scenic. Moderate with slippery patches.
Duration: Four hours.

5. Mġarr/Għajn Tuffieħa/Mġarr
Scenic, moderate to hard. Duration: Three hours.

6. Naxxar, Għarghur/Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
Scenic and historical, easy. Duration: 3.5 hours.

7. Attard/Mosta/Naxxar/Għargħur
Historical, geological, moderate. Duration: Four hours.

8. Around Mellieħa from Ġnien Ingraw
Panoramic and historical, moderate. Duration: Three hours.

These walks have been planned by the Ramblers’s voluntary walks leaders to suit all ages. For details e-mail ram205@gmail.com.

Lino Bugeja is honorary president of the Ramblers’ Association.

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