The impressive Victoria Lines across the Għargħur trail.

Scenic routes through some of the finest and most exhilarating countryside and coastal zones are laid out during a Gozo weekend next month for members of the Ramblers’ Association. The routes chosen encompass the length and breadth of Malta’s sister island, exposing its rich archaeological, historical and geological sites.

The Gozo walks are always cha­­rac­terised by the opportunity of wilderness rambling in remote, off-the-beaten-track sites covered with a floral carpet enhanced by the fragrance of wild flowers, home of the famous Gozo honey bee. From a base in beautiful Xlendi Bay the weekend par­­ti­ci­­pants will explore the geological features and majestic cliffs in the area in preparation for the Mystery Walk the following day. Arrangements are always made for beginners to take a shorter route.

What is this fascinating lure of rambling? Why are the challenges so inviting that seasoned ramblers, whatever the weather, find walks in the countryside irresistible, especially at this time of the year? Why is rambling recommended as a means to enhance the quality of life and to get a feeling of well-being?

The Mellieħa landscape is rich in flora and bird life.

Once the bug has well and truly bitten there is no escaping the passion of ramblers who combine their pastime with a national campaign to protect and preserve the natural environment. I was hooked on rambling in the pre-war years in my native city of Vittoriosa when enterprising British residents organised ‘marchin’ outs’ in the expansive countryside outside the Cottonera Lines that took us to Żabbar, Xgħajra, Rinella, Kalkara and Santa Liberata. This trek down memory lane is scheduled for the afternoon of March 23 and includes the rustic coastline, wayside chapels and beautiful farmland.

The enrollment of the Ramblers’ Association of Malta with its European counterparts has lured to our shores thousands of visitors from countries as diverse as Scotland, Greece, France, Belgium, Italy, Turkey and Germany. On joining local walks these have always remarked about Malta’s potential as a ramblers’ paradise as the islands offer not only unique varied landscape and coastal zones but also medieval buildings and vernacular art, making these treks a source of historical and traditional inspiration.

The March walks across the plains of Safi, Qrendi, Mqabba and Gudja, with its ancient medieval chapel of Bir Miftuh and the secluded 15th-century chapel of St John the Evangelist with its Dejma Cross, will surely enhance the treks in this historical environment.

Ramblers trekking at Fiddien Valley, limits of Rabat.

For ramblers, the Mellieħa landscape is always a major attraction as it invites nature lovers to sample and savour its vast varieties of wild flowers whose fragrance is wafted across the garigue with the shimmering blue sea below.

This area is a haven for bird life. It was here that I experienced one of the most ecstatic moments of my life as I watched the unearthly flight of cranes across Mellieħa Bay on their way to the bird sanctuary. It was here at Il-Qammiegħ 10 years ago with a small group of seasoned ramblers that I endured a whole night lying on a bare rock, with the eerie silence pierced by the incessant cries of young gulls (cief), the croaking of frogs and other mysterious sounds.

The clay slopes of Xatt l-Aħmar in Gozo with the lofty Fort Chambray in the background.

Given its unique setting it is hardly surprising that environmentalists are pushing for national park status to be granted for this whole area and beyond in the pious hope that this will afford it better protection. The area is a natural gem that belongs to the whole nation and it is incumbent on us all to protect and preserve it for future generations as part of our patrimony, a birthright willed to the nation.

Hopefully our islands will continue to offer the thrill of the unexpected in the form of a humble girna (corbelled hut), ancient cart ruts, vernacular art etched in stone, decorated aedicules, notarial deeds on country walls and ancient sundials. The peace and quiet in the diminishing areas available for wilderness rambling provide the consolation of a benign rural environment for spiritual enjoyment, reflection and regeneration, far from the madding crowds.

The Ramblers’ Walks Commission is grateful for the dedication and commitment of walk leaders for their voluntary work.

March walks programme

March 4-6: Gozo Weekend. Walks on Friday afternoon and Saturday.

March 9: Luqa/Għaxaq/Gudja
Type: Scenic/historical/cultural
Duration: 3.5 hours
Rating: Moderate with some inclines
Time: 2pm

March 13: Safi/Qrendi/Safi
Type: Scenic/cultural/historical
Duration: 3.5 hours
Rating: Easy
Time: 9am

March 20: Northwest of Mellieħa
Type: Scenic
Duration: 3.5 hours
Rating: Easy to moderate
Time: 9am

March 23: Żabbar/Xgħajra
Type: Scenic/historical/geological
Duration: 3.5 hours
Rating: Moderate with some rough inclines on rough terrain
Time: 2pm

March 31: Għargħur urban and rural
Type: Scenic/historical/cultural
Duration: 4 hours
Rating: Moderate to hard with some inclines and rough terrain
Time: 9am

For details, visit www.ramblersmalta.org or e-mail ram205@gmail.com or oakever@go.net.mt.

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