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.
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?”
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.