Sunday, May 1.
Mtaħleb and Miġra Ferħa.
Time: 9am.
Meeting place: St Dominic Square, Rabat.
Duration: 4.5 hours.
Rating: Moderate.
The walk starts from Rabat and continues to the idyllic Wied Liemu past the wayside chapel of St Catherine. The trail follows the western edge of Dingli Cliffs. The descent to Miġra Ferħa, the legendary cove near il-Qaws where Count Roger landed in 1091, is dotted with fertile spots as well as a huge Roman reservoir.
Along the cliff top paths we come across a number of Punic shaft graves and the mysterious cart ruts until we reach the wayside chapel of the Nativity perched high on the ridge with a fantastic panorama of the rolling hills and shimmering blue sea.
Wednesday, May 4.
Xemxija and Selmun (Scenic/Historical/Geological).
Time: 2pm.
Meeting place: Xemxija parking area (near kiosk).
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Rating: Moderate.
Ramblers walk along the fertile Pwales Valley towards Għajn Tuffieħa, taking in an incline to the afforested zone, bypassing the rich garigue resonant with the sweet fragrance of the wild thyme (sagħtar), home of the legendary Maltese honey-bee.
Participants will pass through the Selmun Palace environs known as l-Imġiebaħ (built bee hives) erected during the Knights’ period) until they reach secluded Mistra Bay.
Sunday, May 8.
Along the Victoria Lines the hard way.
Time: 8am (please note early start).
Meeting place: Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq parking lot.
Duration: Seven hours (or three hours if one opts to leave at Mosta).
Rating: Hard.
This is a non-circular walk along the full length of the Victoria Lines which stretch from Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq on the east of Malta to Fomm ir-Riħ on the west – a long line of fortifications built towards the end of the 19th century in order to offer further protection to the Grand Harbour.
The trek takes ramblers past Madliena, Mosta and Binġemma forts with breathtaking views as far as Gozo. Ramblers encounter rough terrain dotted by cart-ruts, giren (corbelled huts) and shaft graves from the Punic Period. This long, demanding trek ends at Mġarr.
Participants may opt to leave the group at Mosta.
Sunday, May 15.
Comino.
Time: 8.30am to leave by 8.45am ferry boat. Members are requested to come on time to get tickets from committee members as we all leave together, not on the scheduled ferry.
Meeting place: Ċirkewwa, near Comino ferry boats.
Duration: Five hours. The ferry returns at 2pm (There is an option to catch a later ferry).
Rating: Moderate with rough terrain.
Price: €8.
A circular walk around Comino taking in the majestic Comino Tower, the location of the film Count of Monte Cristo, up to St Mary’s Battery, recently restored by Din l-Art Helwa, along war trenches and the rich geological formations and secluded coves.
Participants may be surprised by leaping wild hares scurrying across the rich garigue. Ramblers are advised to bring a packed lunch, water and perhaps swimwear.
Wednesday, May 18.
Wied iċ-Ċawsli, Wied Qirda, Ħal Farruġ (Scenic).
Time: 2pm.
Meeting place: Park & Ride, Qormi (opposite Lidl ).
Duration: Three hours.
Rating: Moderate.
A leisurely walk along Wied il-Kbir and Wied Qirda , the legendary valleys where a group of French troops were annihilated by the nearby villagers. The trek takes in Ta’ Kandja, with relics of World War II, and Ħal Farruġ.
Sunday, May 22.
Tough it at il-Majjistral (Scenic).
A walk over rough terrain with some scrambling. Only suited for the hardened rambler confident in trekking over rocky trails.
A good pair of trekking boots are required.
Booking opens on Sunday, May 15, on first-come, first-accepted basis for the first 20 applicants.
Ramblers are requested to send an e-mail message with the heading ‘Majjistral Trek’ to ram205 @gmail .com.
Sunday, May 29.
Mellieħa/Mistra Bay/Xemxija (Scenic/Historical/Geological).
From Selmun Palace the route takes in the legendary Mġiebah (bee hives) and its sandy inlet then across the coast to Fort Campbell down to Mistra Bay. Ramblers cross over to Xemxija and follow the Roman Road with its historic baths and back to Selmun.
Precautions and responsibility
The walks to be held by the Ramblers Association of Malta in May mainly follow a circular route and are open to all, unless otherwise stated.
Rambling promotes a healthy lifestyle and a feeling of wellbeing while enjoying the beauty of the Maltese countryside and coastal zones.
The walks are graded to suit everybody but some walks might present problems to new ramblers not accustomed to rough terrain. Good walking boots and suitable clothing according to the weather are recommended.
The association takes great care in picking the trails but safety is ultimately the responsibility of participants themselves, who may stop walking at any stage they deem fit, especially during the occasional long treks.
Notwithstanding precautions relating to proper boots and clothing, state of health and choice of grading, the association declines responsibility for any personal injury or loss of belongings of participants.
The association seeks to adhere to the published walks programme but reserves the right to make changes when necessary without prior notice.
The walks are organised for members but guests are welcome to try out a walk for free and are later encouraged to become members. The membership fee is €10 annually.
Visit www.ramblersmalta.org or e-mail ram205@gmail.com for more details.