The February walks programme of the Ramblers’ Association focuses primarily on Malta’s unique archaeological, military and scenic cornucopia.

Of particular interest is the line of fortifications known as the Victoria Lines stretching from Baħar iċ- Ċagħaq on the east coast to the remote bay of Fomm ir-Riħ on the rugged west coast, crossing fertile valleys, geological forma­tions, wayside chapels and remote hamlets.

The Victoria Lines were built by the British in the latter quarter of the 19th century, utilising the geological formation in the area. The lines bisect the island into two distinct zones, and were intended mainly to provide protection to the Grand Harbour area and the British Mediterranean fleet.

Victoria Lines at Binġemma.Victoria Lines at Binġemma.

The Victoria Lines snake their way down deep valleys and steep inclines until they descend steeply into the sea.

Undoubtedly Binġemma Heights on a high plateau are exceptionally suited for ‘wilderness rambling’ where one can explore the rugged cliffs honeycombed with ancient cave-dwellings as well as the Bronze Age silos.

The panoramic views from this remote area, with the shimmering blue sea below stretching as far as Gozo, are unforgettable.

From a historical and archaeological point of view, pride of place goes to the ancient chapel of San Pawl Milqi and its environs, the acknowledged roots of Malta’s Christian faith, close to Burmarrad.

The latter name means an unhealthy zone, a toponym dating back to the Paleo-Christian period as the marshy swamps in those far-off days were unhealthy. This gives credence to the first miracle of St Paul when he healed Publius’s father, who was suffering from dysentery. The area is now a beautifully cultivated area rich in fruit and vegetables.

The treks along this stretch of valley at this time of year are alive with an inter­minable floral paradise, with fields and valleys running riot with wild flowers such as the dainty yellow cape sorrel (ħaxixa ngliza) and crown daisy (lellux) with patches of red clover and poppies.

Indeed it is one of the mysteries of nature how the Maltese countryside, so bare and forbidding in the long, hot summer months, changes completely after the first rains, giving the countryside a stunning new look and making these islands among the best for rambling.

Other treks will pass through the changing and diverse scenes of the island’s south which are rich in archaeo­logical sites. Ram­blers will pass the vast Tas-Silġ ruins and visit the picturesque chapel of Santa Maria di Neve (Our Lady of the Snow).

On their way to Marsascala, ramblers will pass the fortress-like medieval church of San Girgor, which will surely elicit interest.

All readers, local and foreign, are invited to join ramblers on these walks, which are led by experienced leader who voluntarily give their excellent services free of charge to the Ramblers’ Association.

www.ramblersmalta.org

February walks programme

1. Rabat/Nadur/Għemieri/Fiddien.

Scenic/Historical/Geological

Ramblers trekking from Chadwick Lakes to Dwejra.Ramblers trekking from Chadwick Lakes to Dwejra.

Participants will walk via Mtarfa down to Chadwick Lakes, follow the valley and later climb the Victoria Lines near Binġemma Gap. They then ramble over some rugged landscape to Nadur Tower, the hamlet of Għemieri and through the beautiful valley down to Fiddien.

Duration: 3.5 hours.

Grading: Moderate with some inclines on rough ground.

Meeting place: Domus Romana (Roman Villa), Rabat.

2. Burmarrad/San Pawl Milqi/Wied il-Għasel.

Scenic/Archaeological/Cultural

Participants will explore the valley below the Victoria Lines and proceed to the ancient wayside chapel of San Pawl Milqi, a rich archaeological site relating to St Paul’s shipwreck in AD60, which was excavated in 1964 by the Italian Archaeo­logical Mission. The valley of Wied il-Għasel, rich in legends, will conjure visions of the razzias in medieval times which resulted in the abduction of l-Għarusa tal-Mosta (The Mosta Bride).

Duration: Three hours.

Grading: Moderate with some rough terrain.

Meeting place: The supermarket at Burmarrad.

3. Siġġiewi and its surrounding countryside.

Scenic

The fertile valleys and highlands around this picturesque village and the ancient hamlet of Ħax Xluq make for a very enjoyable walk.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Grading: Moderate with some inclines.

Meeting place: The Limestone Heritage on the Siġġiewi bypass towards Mqabba.

4. Marsascala/Marsaxlokk/Żejtun.

Scenic/Historical/Geological

Participants will walk through a rural landscape with coastal patches of sand and high cliffs, wide fertile farmland, and old and new settlements. At Tas-Silġ they will visit a derelict battery, a fort of the British era and the historical Tas-Silġ chapel. On the way to Żejtun they will pass by wayside chapels including Ħal Tmin and San Niklaw. The fortress-like church of San Girgor will evoke a sad period of history when the area was infested with pirates, particularly prior to the arrival of the Knights.

Duration: 3.5 hours.

Rating: Moderate with some inclines on rough and slippery ground.

Meeting place: St Anne parish church, Marsascala.

5. Rabat to the coast (Non-circular).

Scenic

Participants will walk down to Chadwick Lakes, then up the hill to Tas-Salib chapel, Gomerino Palace and Għemmieri. They will then proceed to Tas-Santi, past Mġarr, Żebbiegħ and Bidnija. From San Pawl Milqi they will proceed to the Bird Park, San Mikiel chapel, Kennedy Grove until they reach Wileġ Bus Stop where they will catch the X3 bus.

Duration: Four hours

Rating: Moderate

Meeting place: Domus Romana (Roman Villa), Rabat.

6. Gardens and bastions of Valletta and Floriana.

Floriana historic garden/Msida bastion cemetery.Floriana historic garden/Msida bastion cemetery.

Participants will enjoy a scenic and cultural walk through several of Valletta’s and Floriana’s finest gardens with fantastic views of Marsamxett and Grand Harbour.

Duration: Three hours.

Rating: Easy

Meeting place. Christ the King monument opposite Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana.

For further details e-mail ram205@gmail.com.

Lino Bugeja is honorary president of the Ramblers’ Association of Malta.

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