Southern Cliffs Walk 24Nov 2007

Around 30 ramblers turned up for this first restricted numbers activity for the season on what turned out to be a surprisingly warm day for the time of year. From near Gnien il-Gibjun in the Nigret neighbourhood of Zurrieq we winded our way downhill to access the point called Il-Munqar - characterised by a curious skyward-pointing beak-like rock outcrop.
This point affords arguably the most spectacular vista over the famed Blue Grotto and the adjacent Wied Babu.

A little backtracking was made here in order to get to the cliffside seaward path which we then followed all the way to Wied il-Bassasa.

This cliffside path is characterised by sweeping sea vistas and a rock terrain rich in a varied carpet of coastal flora - at its best in spring rather than in autumn.

From Wied il-Bassasa it was a steep uphill climb which tested energies and brought out the sweat on a day which saw temperatures rising to 23c. From here a succession of paths bypassing used and abandoned quarries brought us back to our start point.

A particular curiosity of this scenic and peaceful area is that around half a century back it witnessed the worst airplane crash in Maltese history.
On the 18th of February 1956 an Avro York airliner belonging to Scottish Airlines crashed here with the loss of 50 lives. There were no survivors.
There was some debate among ramblers as to the exact crash site and whether any memorial is in place in the area. None could be traced however.

Total Time : 2.5 hours with stops Walk Leader : Steven

Gardens & Fortifications Walk 14Nov07

Ramble with a difference

Usual rambles organised by the Ramblers Association seek the quiet open spaces and scenic spots out in the countryside. Not on Wednesday 14th November when RAM showed its members that even urban Valletta and suburban Floriana have so much to offer in quiet open surrounds with scenes that are spectacular and unique. With some surprise many members got to visit for the first time some sites on the fortifications flanking Valletta on the landward side which offer that peace and tranquillity unexpected in hustle and bustle that are Valletta and Floriana.

Starting with the Hastings Gardens ramblers greeted the scenic views of Marsamxetto harbour but their awareness was raised of the frail stone bridges that span the ditch just below at frequent intervals and half-way up the high walls. The purpose and make up of these bridges were explained and the intricate tunnel system that connects all of them under the bastions was described. It was a pity that today all the hard work and ingenuity behind such a marvellous tunnel and bridge system was left to crumble when it potentially constituted a means of upgrading and balancing the tourist product of Valletta. For visitors whose interest in baroque may wane in favour of other interests like military architecture, sightseeing and open areas, the whole bastions complex is bewildering in itself and leads to lovely gardens and open high spaces with magnificent views of both harbours and typical Maltese landscapes.

At the Garden of Repose on the Floriana bastions facing Msida all marvelled at how well the place is maintained after having been vandalised and pilfered savagely immediately after the British left Malta. The stone marking the place where Mikiel Anton Vassalli is reputed to be buried, next to the monument of Hookham Frere, shows the importance that the British gave to the father of the Maltese language. The splendid views over Msida creek and Manoel Island are enhanced by the peace of the place and the bright sunshine.

The delightful Argotti gardens treated the ramblers to more scenic charms and the visit here unfortunately could not take in the botanical purpose to which the University of Malta is today devoting to the place. Instead it was a quick romp to remind all of the tranquillity that reigns supreme in that place. Once back at the gate the ramblers could admire the baroque exterior of the Sarria church and the Wignacourt Water trough and the adjacent Gothic style Robert Sammut Hall, formerly the Methodist church, designed by Maltese architect Caruana Galizia.

The unexpected St Philip Gardens, which many members hardly knew about let alone visited, came as a pleasant surprise in such proximity to the Argotti. The ramparts there offered an unusual overview of the major traffic thoroughfare of Portes-des-Bombes, the Pinetum and the Maltese landscapes beyond. The stone fountain which Grandmaster Wignacourt had erected in front the Palace in Valletta to commemorate the arrival of running water in the city, today stands there in its lonely majesty

At the next garden of Sa Maison (commonly known as Tal-Milorda), the various carvings on the walls and other free standing stone works left by the various regiments stationed in Malta drew admiration. But the main attention fell on the crumbling state of the marvellous arch that spans the outer fortifications of Floriana, at the far end of the garden. This is no ordinary arch as its ceiling slopes dramatically and its sides veer diagonally. A hidden master-piece is in grave danger of being lost through neglect and disrespect. The valley it spans, if cleared from overgrowth and other waste, will extend the lovely garden to, and make it easily accessible from, the Ospizio at Floriana, below the Police HQ. The area is crying out for rehabilitation and yet remains another potential gem waiting to be recovered. Ironically an iron gate and a gate-keeper today stand guard indiscernable of the derelict ramshackle surrounds of the Ospizio and beyond.

At Ta’ Braxia cemetery the Caruana Galizia chapel dominates the restful grounds of many expatriates who served militarily or administratively in Malta during the last two centuries, remembered by inscriptions on their lofty or humble tombstones or forgotten by the erosion of time. The cemetry has come under the administration of the Maltese authorities after the Commonwealth War Graves Commission spent long years caring for the place, and it is a pleasure to witness that the place is being very well maintained.

The ramblers paid special admiration to the elaborate monument to the memory of shipping magnate Olaf Gollcher.

The longest part of the walk took ramblers up the hill to the Grand Harbour side of Floriana and to the gardens and open spaces flanking the bastions overlooking the new Valletta Waterfront (ex Pinto Stores), past the Ruzar Briffa Hospital and into the King George V gardens with its lovely views of St Angelo and the Three Cities. The St Peter Counterguard was toured and its sights endorsed from the lonely Gardjola there before the last lap was taken to the Bus Terminus through the tunnels on the outer ramparts which today house the Central Bank annexe.

It took five solid hours well spent on walking, sightseeing and cultural reflection on those other elements of the cultural heritage of Valletta and its environs which carry so much leisure potential yet are sorely underutilized and direly crying for attention.

Mixquqa – Mizieb – Xemxija

Mixquqa – Mizieb – Xemxija 11^th Nov 2007

The feast of San Martin, on November 11^th, provided a varied walk of sun and rain clouds, garigue and woodland. Forming a long snake across the area recently declared as a national park (instead of a golf course) 170 Ramblers crossed from the ancient hamlet of Manikata to a eucalyptus grove near the reservoir.

View of garigue - pity it's spoilt with that monstrosity
in the background

Ramblers snaking across the garigue.

The old hamlet

Past the Church, after an area of cart ruts and ancient walls we arrived at the location for our first environmental initiative.

Gun cartridges were collected during a rest stop here before entering the wooded area where narrow pathways and tree-scapes provided a wonderful sense of isolation surrounded by greenery. Many abandoned hunters’ hides were encountered. One of these even sported a roof garden to the amusement of all.

Hunter's hide

Threading our way through the trees and along the rough pathways we emerged near a modern-day “girna” where Ramblers tidied the area for future visitors, leaving a positive mark on this lesser known part of the countryside.

Spent shotgun shells collected from the area

Walking through the woodland

At the Archeological zone on Xemxija Ridge the walk disbanded as some descended via the Roman Apiary to walk or catch a bus back to Golden Bay – or to Mosta/Valletta. Others had parked cars waiting for them and a lift back to the starting point. The really intrepid ones chose to ramble back along a separate track, extending the ramble by another hour.

Thanks to all who made the morning a pleasant one. On a personal note it is 36 years to the day that I arrived in Malta therefore the Mizieb Ramble was the very best way I could think of to mark this day which is so special to me.

Alex and Anne addressing the assembled masses

Our presence at Mizieb, in a non-aggressive manner, is a statement in itself. Words are hardly necessary. It was encouraging to see families enjoying themselves in these wild surroundings. Such a sight made us feel that this pine and olive wonderland may be one of Malta’s best kept secrets.

Walk Leader: Anne
Duration: about 3 hours to Xemxija

Note 1. This is the first RAM walk guided by our new walk leader, Anne Zammit. The write-up and ideas are hers.

Note 2. Clicking on a photo will open it up to a larger size.