Scotland Trip

RAM’s first rambling experience abroad: 6^th - 17^th September 2007

Written by Alex

Thursday 6^th September: Excitement was in the air as seventeen of us lined up to the Check-in Desk of AirMalta on the start of a first ever venture abroad by RAM. The flight was good and timely. Not the same could be said of the queue at the car-hire desk and the availability of the hired cars at Glasgow airport. It took us one hour to get sorted and on our way to Stirling.

In no time we were at the Sterling Management Centre on the campus of Stirling University and lining up again to retrieve our key to the individual rooms. However coffee and sandwiches were offered while accommodation details were sorted out. All were out within one hour and after a quick shower, expressing satisfaction with the accommodation and its location. The secretary handed out some maps of the place and gave other information as to the frequency of buses to the centre, bus-stops and details of the surrounds, and prompted everybody to roam about independently for the afternoon until the appointed dinner time. Some ventured to the center, others to Bridge of Allan nearby.

Friday 7^th: A lively group of Scottish ramblers from Biggar and Hamilton were massed and ready to welcome the arrival of the Maltese ramblers for the first outing in Biggar. It brought to mind the welcome that awaited the Scottish ramblers six months earlier on their first outing in Malta. On that occasion more than a hundred locals greeted their surprised counterparts in Rabat on the start of the walk to the Chadwick Lakes.

It took no longer than thirty minutes to renew friendships and exchange greetings before the motley group followed Jan and Bernard on a leisurely stroll around the historic village, along its golf course under the shadow of Tinto Hill, past streams and over the small “Cadgers Brig” (named after William Wallace “Braveheart”, who crossed it disguised as a pedlar to spy on English troops camping in Biggar in 1297) and finally to Biggar Kirk (1545), the last such collegiate church to be built in Scotland before the reformation of Scotland’s religion. We lunched lightly at the Gillespie Community Centre on hot soup and appetizing sandwiches prepared for the occasion.

Then came the crunch, as the seemingly-easy challenge was laid before us to surmount Tinto Hill, which from the bottom looked like relatively easy going. But what an optical illusion is Tinto as viewed from the bottom. Vertically it climbs to a height of 800 meters (a mountain by Maltese standards) yet seemingly peanuts as the summit appears so near. It is only on walking the first mile up that we realized that Tinto had hidden contours that made the ascent to the top another four miles distant! What with a cold biting northerly blowing strongly against, and a gravel surface tricking our every step?

Marianne Muscat Azzopardi was the first up there in some 90 minutes, with yours truly a close second. Almost all made it to the top somehow or other, but the descent was even more treacherous as the rounded pebbles rolled under our weight.

Our Scottish friends baptized us with fire. And they told us so.

Saturday 8^th: By comparison the day visit to Falkirk was relaxed and undemanding, yet most intriguing and scenic. Even the weather turned sunny as we met our friends at the Falkirk Wheel. What a sight and a marvel of ingenuity is this Scottish project of the Millennium. One and all were fascinated by the mechanism as we took the boat ride up and down this simple contraption, which takes boat canal and water together up some twenty five meters in a matter of ten minutes. It raises the water of the Clyde to the level of the water of the Forth to enable barges to travel all the way up from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Fascinating!

After a light lunch we set off on the “tow-path” alongside the Union canal, led by Jo and Fay. This path was trodden by beasts of burden towing the barges before the advent of steam-power. The walk was most exhilarating in the splendid sunshine; the green meadows beyond the canal had early rusty touches of autumn with glimpses of shy deer staring or starting away ; snow white swans and their cygnets followed us on the still water while some leisure barge steamed quietly on its way. We plodded on through the Falkirk Tunnel, at 630meters the longest canal tunnel in Scotland cut with picks, shovels and gunpowder in 1822. We had a feeling of paradise regained as ripe juicy blackberries lined the way to tickle our throats, dry as they became with the gentle sun beating down on some five miles of trodden path. Walking back we thanked our luck as the opportunity presented itself to view the gates and sluices of the canal locks in action as the water leveled down barges on their way.

Sunday 9^th: It was the turn of the South Lanark Older Walkers (S.L.O.W.) and Mary leading to prepare a full day of activities for us in Hamilton. The day started off with a guided visit to the Mausoleum and crypt, where Alec the caretaker gave an account of the history and lives of the various dukes that were laid to rest there, all from the noble lineage of Hamilton. After some group photos were taken to commemorate the visit the hosts treated us to a mouthwatering lunch at the Hamilton Bowling Club where greetings and appreciations were exchanged.

In the afternoon we drove to Chatelherault, the restored William Adam hunting lodge, with visitor centre, set in 500 acre country park with superb views north to Ben Lomond, and ten miles of footpath in historic landscape and Avon River gorge including ancient oaks and extensive semi-natural woodland. We did not walk the ten miles but a solid three hours along the Cadzow Oaks Trail was enough to tire our limbs. It was almost sundown before we got our cars started on the way back after two dizzy members stumbled to the wrong car-park.

Monday 10^th: The Trossachs pier on Lake Catherine was our destination and our caravan of three cars was timely to meet up with Moira and Sue on this another day full of glorious sunshine. The boat was lousy but the trip diverting along the shores and around the islands, with the various Bens and falls in the background.

We drove back to Callander at noon and parked at the southern point of Lock Lubnaig. It was a delightful walk along the 7-mile western shore of the lake all the way north to Strathyre. Again the sun shone brilliantly overhead as we covered territory that lit up in various shades of green, encountering some half dozen pure breed highland cattle grazing away in the shade of an old oak tree, their golden tufts covering their heavily lashed eyes. Further along sandwiches were shared under another mighty oak, and a little nap taken by some, especially the young ones. A smooth climb toward the northern side of the lake got us to a vantage point from where the whole stretch of the lake came into perspective. By the end of 4 hours we were downing cold ale at the first corner pub in Strathyre.

Tuesday 11^th: The sun did not shine today and our arrival in New Lanark was delayed by at least one hour due to my missing the proper exit on the M9 and a misunderstanding of the meeting place. But all was well as we met up with Dorothy and Isobel. The local guide explained all about David Dale and his mills in the valley below Lanark. We toured the impeccable environs and the orderly rows of buildings that housed the mills and the orphans that lived, learned and worked there. After eating our packed lunch we set off along the river Clyde often stopping to admire the rapids and spectacular falls on the way up to the dam which diverts the water to the hydroelectric turbines below. The lake created by the dam reflected the trees along its edge as the sky by now had turned blue. It was a feast of colour, though not as brilliant as we know it back home!

By 4.00pm we were back at New Lanark where all enjoyed a hot cuppa, while the Secretary accompanied by the president of the Biggar Ramblers paid a courtesy visit to Mr Gilbert Duncan, who was indisposed at home. Mr Duncan was the person who instigated the original visit to Malta last March and who had kindly invited us over to Scotland. We wish Mr Duncan a speedy recovery.

At 6.00pm the Maltese were treated to a healthy dinner of varied goodies prepared by the Biggar and SLOW members themselves. The party, which started with a talk about the history of Lanark, lasted well into the night. Then with stomachs full we headed on our long journey to Stirling.

Wednesday 12^th: We all took the bus to Edinburgh from the Park & Ride near the Airport and were comfortably driven right to the heart of the city. The Secretary explained directions to the Royal Mile, the Visitor Centre and other vantage points, a meeting time and all went their different ways. All were punctual but exhausted after a long day of exploration and shopping before we trudged back to the car park for the drive home in our cars.

Thursday 13^th: Picturesque Pitlochry, famous for its scenery and hydro-electric dam with salmon ladder presented the opportunity to walk along the banks of the river Tummel under the direction of Willie and Blane. Actually today we made two walks. The Edradour Walk of some 3 miles led up to the picturesque Edradour distillery, the smallest in Scotland that sends its brew to the House of Lords at Westminister. Here we sampled the liquid gold before a detailed scented tour of the distillery aroused the appetite for more and all took home a bottle or two. Walking through Black Spout Wood the Kinnaird Burn and the Edradour Burn present attractive water features tumbling down their tree-lined way. The burns are spanned by footbridges linking the paths which criss-cross through the woodland. The Black Spout is an impressive 60 meters high waterfall, pleasantly overlooked by a viewing platform. The longer walk took us around Loch Faskally’s shoreline over interesting footbridges and finally over the Pitlochry Power Station Dam where the salmon don't actually jump up the ladder but swim through interconnecting pipes. An observation chamber allows visitors to watch the salmon underwater through a large plate glass window. We did not see the salmon swim up but got an overall impression of what a sight it presents when the salmon returns to brood.

Friday 14^th: For a change it rained in the morning but by mid-day the sun was out again. No walks were on and the Stirling attractions were the order of the day. The Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle were explored by those who did not prefer the commercial attraction of the Thistle Shopping Centre.

Saturday 15^th: The last long drive with our cars took us to Peebles sited on the third major river in Scotland, the Tweed. And what an enjoyable day it turned out to be. Willie led us for a ramble of about two hours that from the park in Kingsmeadow led out of town among the tree lined banks of the river and across some historic bridges and remains. As we met the road to Peebles we crossed over the bridge spanning the river and then a left turn uphill. From the top the scenes were charming and pastoral: sheep and cattle grazing on the meadows sloping all the way down to the river with a backdrop of rolling hills heaving up to a blue sky littered with white cloud. Leaving the road we crossed some meadows with more sheep and molehills and down to town again where a nice lunch was expecting us at the Green Tree Hotel. We played hosts this time as we treated our Scottish friends in appreciation of the wonderful programme that was prepared for us. Willie bade the group farewell after lunch, remembering what a good time was had in Malta, and the Secretary retorted with thanks that our tour was memorable and augured that other such activities will follow, as they will always be welcome to our isles. Members intermingled bidding personal farewells and au revoir. After lunch there was enough free time to wander about the quaint town of Peebles before making headway for St Ninian’s Church in Bannockburn for Holy Mass.

Sunday 16^th: Our last day in Scotland was left free for all to do whatever they please and pack up for an early start on the morrow. A small group of us ventured to Loch Lomond and others toured the interesting sites around Stirling and Bridge of Allan. Most however ended up sooner or later at the Thistle Shopping Centre to pick up the last souvenirs of the visit.

Monday 17^th: Following earlier suggestions all suitcases were by the side of the cars at the appointed early hour and these were diligently packed to fit the cars without the need to hire additional transport. The hotel prepared an early continental breakfast and our caravan set out on its way to Glasgow at 0630hrs, arriving at the airport well in time for the flight back home.

It was always the case during the trip that every member of the group was meticulous in co-operating with the organizer and fellow members to make matters easy and expedient for all. It was an example of teamwork and that is what made the tour so successful and enjoyable. I wish to thank one and all for the company which I enjoyed at all times. Well done to all.

Scotland Photos Part 2

Scotland Photos Part 1

Oct-Dec 2007 Walks Programme

Ramblers Association of Malta

www.ramblersmalta.jointcomms.com

Walks Programme: October to December 2007

Below please find a programme of walks that are being organised for the period October to December 2007. These outings might entail walking over some rough terrain in open countryside. Good walking shoes and suitable clothing for the weather are therefore recommended. It will be a good idea to bring some drinking water with you, especially on the longer walks. All the walks should present no problems to whoever enjoys rambling.

Please note that while we take great care in picking our trail, your safety is ultimately your responsibility. RAM rejects all responsibility for any personal injury or loss of belongings.

Although we endeavour to adhere to the published walk programme, we may be constrained to change the route, dates or other details. We reserve the right to make such changes without prior notice.

In case of very bad weather, walks might be cancelled. If in doubt please consult the website or phone 99497080.

For your information and for the benefit of the beautiful Maltese countryside, the last two pages have some important advice about walking in the countryside. Please read this – it is useful information and will take only a few minutes.

Wednesday 3^rd October THE THREE PALACES (Scenic / Historical / Cultural)

During the period that the Knights Hospitaliers reigned over the Maltese Islands there were in fact three forces vying for power and trying to dominate each other. The Grandmaster and his knights sought to rule and imposed their laws over the land to administer the country as it suited them with little concern for the locals; the Bishop and his church saw to the spiritual needs of his flock, terrorising the wits out of them with threats of the fires of hell; the Roman Inquisitor and his spies in turn ensured that morality was upheld at all times by everybody rich and poor, except by himself, with the help of his torture instruments.

The competition prevailed even in the palaces that each built for his summer recess. The Grandmaster Verdalle had the gardens at Boschetto with its imposing palace built in grandeur. The Inquisitor, not to be outdone, had a grand manor built over a lush valley at Girgenti, not far away. The poor Bishop wanted to keep his rating as much as possible and had the modest abode built over the valley today known as Il-Wied tal-Isqof, also in the vicinity. We shall be visiting the three palaces and their wonderful surrounds

Rating: An easy walk over smooth surfaces with very short periods of uneven terrain

Duration: About 3 hours

Meeting Place: St Dominic's Church, Rabat (Bus no 80 to Rabat)

Time: 0930

Sunday 14^th Oct SPTT WIED ID-DIS (Scenic / Historical)

A wonderful historical and entertaining walk starting at San Pawl tat- Targa, going down to the cart ruts area, the pill box at the upper part of T'Alla w' Ommu, then to Gharghur via Birguma, passing near Ghar San Brincat (with views of Bahar ic-Caghaq), in the area known as “the top of the world” (not to be confused with Tibet). Following the Victoria lines, we then head to Madliena, down to Wied id- Dis, then to Tal- Ferha estate. Again through Gharghur village and back to our starting point.

Rating: Varying, but never challenging.

Duration: About 3 ½ hours

Meeting Place: San Pawl Tat-Targa Chapel (bus no 55/56 to Naxxar, then walk to SPTT via Triq il-Markiz Scicluna, a narrow street starting from just behind Naxxar Parish Church)

Time: 0930

Sun 21^st October MARSASCALA CIRCULAR (Scenic/historical)

From our meeting place, we proceed towards Xghajra following the coast. From Xghajra we will then walk towards Ricasoli, via the proposed Smart City site. From there we will turn back to Marsascala, this time following the crest of the ridge rather than the shoreline.

Rating: Moderate, with some inclines and some walking on rough terrain.

Duration: About 3 hours

Meeting Place: Zonqor Point, near the swimming pool. (Bus no 19/20)

Time: 0930

Sunday 11^th November XEMXIJA / MIZIEB / XAGHRA IL-HAMRA (Scenic)

A walk through this area, always a pleasant place to visit, and now very much in the news.

Rating: Moderate, with some inclines and rough terrain.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Meeting Place: Near the Apple's Eye Bar, Golden Bay (Bus 47)

Time: 0930

Wednesday 14^th November FORTIFICATIONS AND GARDENS. (Scenic / historical / cultural)

Valletta is renowned for its fortifications and baroque buildings but the open spaces that the fortifications offer are hardly ever visited and save for the two Barracca gardens the other gardens are seldom visited. Together we will explore the lesser known avenues in and outside our capital city and enjoy the views from the sentinels of the fortification (the gardjolas) much as the guards through the centuries used to see them (without tower-cranes and other recent monstrosities)

We will first visit the Hastings Gardens and then down to the Garden of Repose managed by Din L-Art Helwa. Then to the Argotti Gardens from where we will descend to the fortifications over Portes des Bombes. We will then visit the Sarria church, the old Horses' drinking trough and the former Methodist Church (now the Robert Samut hall). Next in line will be the Gardens ovedrlooking Msida Creek and thence through the pinetum to the Ta' Braxia Cemetry, with its beautiful Gothic chapel by architect Caruana Galizia.

We will contine the hill climb to the gardens overlooking Grand Harbour, below and above the Ruzar Briffa hospital. From the scenic former King George V gardens we will cross over to the Central bank side and through the tunnel to the Bus Terminus where we started.

Rating: Easy walk with inclines and declines as the approach of our capital city offers, but always on smooth surfaces

Duration: 4 hours solid, as the views have to be enjoyed and the monuments at Ta' Braxia well observed.

Meeting Place: City Gate Valletta

Time: 0900

Sunday 18^th November GOZO WALK

The idea is to take the ferry to Gozo, without vehicles, and walk from Mgarr. The exact route is subject to change.

Rating: It should be a relatively easy walk.

Duration: About 4 hours

Meeting Place: Cirkewwa Ferry (Bus No 45)

Time: 0900

Saturday 24^th Nov SOUTHERN CLIFFS (Scenic)

Highly scenic walk along cliff edges in the Zurrieq area. Walk requires a very good head for heights and includes one very long incline. Participation is limited to 25 people. Booking by email on ram205@gmail.com quoting Southern Cliffs as subject.

Rating: Some rough terrain and sharp inclines.

Duration: approximately 3 hours.

Saturday 8^th December ST PAUL'S BAY AREA (Scenic)

From our meeting place we walk along the cliff face where the BP tanks used to be and then take the path down to Mistra. Once at Mistra Bay, we walk past the fish farm up to Għajn Ħadid. From here we head to Imġiebaħ Bay; this part of the walk will take us close to the shore along small pebbly inlets and up and down over rock boulders. After a short stop at Mgiebah Bay to admire the view we take the path up to Selmun. We will take a path between the fields that will lead us down to Mistra Bay, up the steps and back to our meeting place.

Participation is limited to 25 people. Booking preferably by email on ram205@gmail.com, or alternately by SMS to 79330805, quoting St Paul’s Bay Walk as subject.

Rating: A walk along country roads/lanes, bare rock, clay slopes and some stiff gradients. Proper walking boots recommended. (Will be postponed if the ground is wet as the clay becomes slippery).

Duration: about 3 hours depending on the pace and the state of the terrain.

Thursday 13^th December WIED DALAM/HAS-SAPTAN (Scenic/historical)

Three Valleys – Wied Dalam, Wied ta’ Has Saptan, Wied Qoton. This walk is a true ramble in an area which although hemmed in by industrial and residential development is still relatively rural. Like other corners of the Maltese countryside, it has its own unique ambience.

The walk takes us through the main valleys of the area i.e., Wied Dalam, Wied ta’ Has Saptan and Wied Qoton. The exact route will depend on climatic conditions but we shall try and follow the valley beds as much as possible.

Rating: Moderate, with some steep inclines. Some walking on uneven surfaces and well as possible muddy patches.

Duration 3 to 4 hours

Meeting Place: Bettina Palace, Gudja (Bus No 8)

Time: 0930

Sunday 23^rd December Mystery Walk.

Details to be divulged later. Participation is limited to 25 people. Booking preferably by email on ram205@gmail.com, or alternately by SMS to 79425744, quoting December Mystery Walk as subject.

Rating: Some rough terrain and sharp inclines.

Duration: approximately 3 hours.

Photos