FORT PEMBROKE & FORT MADLIENA Circular Walk – 29th March 2009

FORT PEMBROKE & FORT MADLIENA Circular Walk

For today’s walk, about 70 members (including some German guests) waited impatiently at the starting point. After a brief introduction by Alex, we passed through Wied Mejxu (behind Villa Rosa) and headed towards Fort Pembroke. From here we continued towards Pembroke and through a footpath we reached Fort Madliena. Here we could observe the last stretch of the Victoria Lines and also the different widien or valleys in the Gharghur area – the most beautiful being Wied id-Dis. After a short break, we descended via the Victoria Lines, crossed the Coast Road and through a footpath reached the ex-caravan site. From here we walked along the coast till we reached the starting point.

Walk Leader: Simon helped by Sammy.

Duration: 4 hours including breaks (0900-1300)

Distance: 12 km

Walks Programme April to July 2009

Ramblers Association of Malta
www.ramblersmalta.jointcomms.com
http://ramblersassociation.blogspot.com/

Walks Programme: April to July 2009

Below please find the programme of walks that RAM has organised for the period April to July 2009. Some routes entail walking over rough terrain in open countryside. Good walking shoes and suitable clothing for the weather are therefore recommended. It is always a good idea to bring some drinking water along, especially on the longer walks. Some walks might present problems to anyone who is not used to walking over unpaved ground.
Please note that while RAM takes great care in picking the trails, one’s safety is ultimately one’s responsibility. RAM declines all responsibility for any personal injury or loss of belongings.
Grading has been introduced as follows:
Very Hard - only for hardy ramblers loving difficult challenges, ready to take a beating.
Hard - for the fit rambler in good physical shape to tackle steep inclines and long stretches.
Moderate – for the average rambler who can take 3 to 4 hour stretches of walking on uneven surfaces
Easy – for the occasional rambler who prefers leisurely strides at a slower pace.
RAM endeavours to adhere to the published walks programme but reserves the right to make changes without prior notice as the need arises.
All walks are circular walks unless otherwise noted.
In case of very bad weather, walks might be cancelled. If in doubt please consult the blog (http://ramblersassociation.blogspot.com/) or phone 99497080.
For the benefit of the beautiful Maltese countryside, please read the last pages for some important advice about walking in the countryside
Finally, RAM organises walks for the benefit of its members. Non-members can join for a nominal fee of €5-00. Participants in the walks will be asked to show their membership cards
Note: Booking a place on a restricted walk is not the same as buying a ticket to a concert. I.e., if you were accepted on the walk you cannot decide to transfer your place to another person. If you cannot make it to a walk that you booked please inform us at once as there are others on the waiting-list eagerly waiting to take your place.
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Saturday 4th April - Migra Ferha to Ras id-Dawwara to Mtahleb. Scenic
A repeat of our Oct 2008 walk.
The first part of the walk will take us along the scenic cliffs up to Ras id-Dawwara. From here we enjoy spectacular views of two giant caves at sea level where Wied Ghar Ilma/Wied Rum discharge into the sea.
Well beyond Ras id-Dawwara we turn inland. After visiting a small cave (some resemblance with Ras Il Wardija in Gozo) we follow a path uphill and cross Wied Ghar Ilma/Wied Rum till just below the cliff face of Mtahleb settlement and church. From there we make our way back to Migra Ferha.

This is a restricted walk. Please book on email ramwalks@gmail.com quoting subject “4th April Walk”. Booking will open 10 days before the walk, i.e., on 25th March. Any requests before that date will be disregarded.

Rating: Moderate, with some steep inclines and some rough terrain.
Duration: 2 ½ to 3 hours
Meeting place: To be advised
Time: To be advised
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Sunday 5th April - The Four Santa Marijas of the North. Scenic, Cultural,
Circular Walk (see below)

The idea of this walk is to revive an old tradition which used to take place on the eve of Santa Marija’s feast, when 7 villages used to be visited. From our meeting place, we will walk towards Attard parish church, and afterwards towards Mosta, reaching its parish church after approximately 2 hours. See below for an optional place to join the walk. From here we continue towards Mgarr using secondary roads and footpaths as much as possible. The last stretch to Dingli is the most scenic & difficult…where some steep gradients are expected. From this parish church, one can opt to return to Attard using public transport…or may complete the whole circular route through footpaths & secondary roads.

Duration: about 8 1/2 hours
Rating: Moderate but long, on moderate terrain; otherwise no particular steep gradients, except between Mgarr & Dingli. However, remember that this is a very long walk.
Meeting place: Attard – Mixtla ta’ Wied Incita Govt.Agricultural Nursery (opposite Attard Industrial Estate – ample space for parking)
Time: 7:30am sharp
Alternative Meeting place: Mosta Parish Church (In this case, it will NOT be circular route, as we will not return to Mosta)
Time: 9.30am sharp
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Note: The following 4 walks (from the 19th to 24th April) are being organized for an Italian group that will be in Malta on a walking holiday. Members are welcome to attend.

Sunday 19th April: Rabat-Dingli-Megalithic Temples (Scenic/Archaeological)
Non-circular
From Buskett Gardens the walk will proceed in the direction of Dingli Cliffs past Ghar il-Kbir and Clapham Junction. We will visit the temples at Mndajdra and Hagar Qim before heading to Siggiewi from where we will take the bus back to Vallletta

Meeting Place: Verdala Palace, Buskett
Rating: Moderate to hard, and long with uneven terrain at times and moderate inclines
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Time: 09:30am

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Tuesday 21st April: The Wild West
Non-circular
The walk will start at Migra l-Ferha, from where we will head towards Rdum tal-Vigarju and then to Fomm ir-Rih. From Fomm ir-Rih we will proceed up to the promontory of Ras il-Pellegrin and then down to Gnejna Bay. We will ascend to the Lippija Tower and past il-Karraba to the twin bays of Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha. The walk will end up at Xemxija after crossing the Mizieb ridge under the trees.

Meeting Place: Migra Ferha
Rating: Moderate to hard, with some steep inclines and rough terrain
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Time: 09:30 am
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Wednesday 22nd April: Marfa and l-Ahrax (Scenic)
The tail-end of the island of Malta will be trailed around in its entirety passing through Rdum il-Hmar, Rdum l-Ahmar, L-Ahrax, it-Torri l-Abjad and the pretty sandy beaches at Armier and Ramla. From there we will proceed westward to Paradise Bay, Rdum il-Qawwi, Qammieh and down to ic-Cumnija along to Pop-eye Village and around to Mellieha Bay.

Meeting Place: Mellieha Bay
Rating: Moderate, with rough terrain and moderate inclines
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Time: 09:30 am.

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Friday 24th April: Mgiebah (Scenic / Historical)

From Selmun we will follow the country lane down to Mistra Bay and thence toward the coast opposite St Paul’s islands. We will also go to Mgiebah Bay over the clay fields and cliffs that offer spectacular views. The coastline will be followed that will lead to Mellieha via the Santa Marija Estate, and then back to Selmun.

Meeting Place: Selmun Palace
Rating: Hard, with steep inclines and declines, with rough terrain most of the way
Duration: 4 hrs
Time: 09:30 am.
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Sunday 26th April – Up & Down the Three Ridges (Xemxija to Cirkewwa) – Non Circular Walk. (Scenic, Historical)

The idea of this walk is to appreciate the geography of the Maltese Islands, as we walk up & down the Bajda Ridge, the Mellieha Ridge and the Marfa Ridge. The route to be taken depends on the actual weather conditions, opting to pass through footpaths and secondary roads as much as possible. Once the final destination is reached, one may take a bus to reach the starting point. Note that this is a difficult walk due to the very steep gradients and very rough terrain. If you do not consider yourself physically fit, please do not try this walk.

Duration: about 5 hours
Rating: Hard. Much of the route is moderate, but it includes ALSO very difficult terrain and three very steep gradients.
Meeting place: Xemxija Bay ( Pwales )
Time: 08:15 am sharp
Special Note: Not for the faint-hearted. However, there is the possibility for ramblers to reduce the walk to just Two Ridges and return by bus from Ghadira Bay.

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Sunday 3rd May – Maritime Cities, Forts and Museum (Cultural)

A distinguished guest specialist will lead this cultural walk and will be explaining the relevance of the cities and forts on the other side of Grand Harbour. The imposing buildings on the Birgu waterfront will be detailed as we walk towards the first fort, St Angelo. We will head toward Kalkara under the bastions full of historical anecdotes and stop to hear all about villa Bighi, later a naval hospital in the neoclassical style. Fort Ricasoli will be reckoned next before we walk on to the old cemetery of the plague victims whose chapel still carries a lot of devotion today. The route will proceed to Fort Rinella which we not have the time to visit since we need to make it in time for a comprehensive guided tour of the Maritime Museum. The Curator there is arranging for us to be guided around the interesting exhibits some of which will be elaborated upon in some detail. An entrance fee will be charged.

Meeting Place: The Arch at Birgu Waterfront
Rating: Easy. Very easy walking on smooth surfaces
Duration: 2 hr walk, 2 hrs Museum visit
Time: 0830
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Saturday 9th May - Qolla, Wardija and Olive Oil Taster (Archaeological/cultural)
This walk was scheduled for last year but Dr Timmy Gambin had to leave Malta for a conference. He kindly offered to take us to the bronze-age village that overlooks the harbour at Bumarrad this time round and explain the archaeological explanations. Afterwards he will take us to the premises of Paddy Cremona where he will give a presentation about olive-oil production since Roman times and then follow the process of oil production as well as sample some different olive oils on local “hobs frisk” (fresh bread). The price of €7-00 is payable for the presentation and the olive oil-tasting.

Meeting Place: Bidnija Church (Those without transport wait at the San Guzepp tat-Targa entry road to Bidnija)
Rating: Moderate, on uneven terrain and steep inclines and declines.
Duration: Walk about 2 hours; oil-tasting about 1.5 hrs.
Time 5.15pm
This is a restricted walk. Please book on email ramwalks@gmail.com quoting subject “Qolla Walk”. Booking will open 10 days before the walk, i.e., on 29th April. Any requests before that date will be disregarded.
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Sunday 17th May – Mellieha Mystery Walk (Scenic, Cultural) - Circular Walk
The idea behind this walk is discover lesser-known areas pertaining to Mellieha. We shall strive to pass through secondary roads & footpaths as much as possible. This is NOT a restricted walk, but requires the participant’s full attention.
Duration: about 4½ to 5 hours
Rating: Easy, on moderate terrain; otherwise no particular very steep gradients. Meeting place: Ghadira Police Station
Time: 8:15am sharp
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Saturday 23th May – Comino (Scenic/Historical)
A walk along the spectacular coastline of Comino that will follow much the same pattern of last year’s ramble, although the route will be slightly changed. It will take in all the interesting historical buildings on the Island plus some archaeological sites inland. Like last year the boat will leave Cirkewwa at 0900hrs and we will first sail around the azure caves and creeks before landing us at the Blue Lagoon. The boat will also be our limiting factor since we can only fill it to capacity (just like the ones carrying illegal immigrants). For those who cannot walk on water booking is necessary, preferably by email on ram205@gmail.com, or alternately by SMS to 99497080, quoting Comino as subject. The round trip will cost €7-00 per person. Reservations will start immediately on first-come first-served basis, with paid-up members given preference. The duration of the stay on Comino will be optional, and ramblers may choose either to take the boat back to Malta immediately after the walk or to linger on and perhaps take a dip at the lagoon. This means that though we sail altogether from Cirkewwa, there will be trips back that can be taken every hour until 5.00pm.
Duration: Walk will take some 3-4 hours but stay on Comino to be decided individually.
Meeting place: Cirkewwa
Time: 0845hrs
Rating: Easy. Sometimes on rough terrain
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Wednesday 27th May: Wardija Ridge (Scenic/Historical)
The walk starts at Zebbiegh and heads through a country road to Burmarrad via Wardija ridge. San Pawl Milqghi Chapel and underlying Roman excavations will be thoroughly explained before proceeding along a path in the fields to Bidnija and thereon back to Zebbiegh.

Meeting place: Zebbiegh parish church
Rating: Moderate, with some inclines and uneven terrain
Duration: about 3hrs.
Time: 5:00 pm
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Wednesday 3rd June: Marfa Ridge (Scenic/Historical/Geological)
From Ghadira the walk will proceed to Ras il-Qammieh via Torri l-Ahmar after which a coast path will lead past the Paradise bay and on to the Riviera Resort & Spa. The promontory is surmounted via the woodland on top of the Mellieha Bay hotel and back to Ghadira.

Meeting Place: Ghadira Bay Bus Terminus
Rating: Moderate with some inclines and uneven terrain
Duration: About 3 hrs
Time: 5.00pm

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Wednesday 17th June: Xlokk to Scala (Scenic/Cultural)
This is a walk over country roads that from Marsaxlokk lead to Torri Mamo at Marsascala via Zejtun. A footpath is then followed along St Thomas Bay over the hill and to the cliffs via the Fort and Battery at Tas-Silg.

Meeting Place: Marsaxlokk Parish Church
Duration: About 3 hrs
Rating: Easy. Smooth and Easy over even terrain with a few inclines
Time: 5:00 pm
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Wednesday 24th June: Zebbug surrounds (Historical/cultural)
We will take the valley road from the Peridot Hall through field paths down along the valley floor of Wied Qirda. The road back to Zebbug will be through a valley path with beautiful surrounding landscape.
Meeting place: Peridot Hall, Zebbug
Duration: About 3 hrs
Rating: Easy. Some uneven terrain and slippery if wet.
Time: 5:00 pm
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Wednesday 1st July: Gharghur surroundings (Historical/Geological)
From the square at Gharghur the walk proceeds along the Victoria Lines down to the cave settlement of San Brinkaw. Through the Maghtab hamlet the walk reaches the cart ruts at Naxxar, then on to San Pawl tat-Targa and a country lane back to Gharghur.

Meeting Place: St Bartholomew Parish Church, Gharghur
Duration: about 3 hrs
Rating: Moderate to smooth
Time: 5:00 pm
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Wednesday 8th July: The Western Sandy Bays. (Scenic/Geological/Historical)
An interesting walk between Golden Bay and Anchor Bay taking in the new National Park of Il-Majjisral, Rdum id-Delli and Ta’Ciantar promontory. A country lane is then followed via Manikata back to Golden Bay.

Meeting Place: Golden Bay Bus Stop
Duration: About 3 hrs
Rating: Easy, with some uneven terrain near the coast
Time: 5:00 pm.

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Green Country Code – for a more respectful approach to our countryside
Adapted from Malta, Gozo & Comino: Off the Beaten Track - a Nature Trust publication 2002

1. Refrain from collecting or causing harm to any specimens of flora, fauna, geological items such as fossils and stalactites or archaeological artefacts.
2. Respect natural habitats, sensitive sites and the local inhabitants. Tread lightly and avoid disturbance.
3. Avoid causing noise and light pollution (especially in caves or at night)
4. Do not dispose of any waste in the countryside or sea
5. Do not light fires in vulnerable locations such as caves, beneath trees, on dry grass or garigue areas
6. Keep to paths where possible – avoid trespassing on defined private property and cultivated fields.
7. Avoid trampling
8. Be informed beforehand of the protection status of any sites you will be passing through – some activities may be restricted in such areas or at least they may require extra attention upon visiting
9. Report any grass fires or emergencies on 112
10. Try to leave the countryside better than you found it. There are ways and means. Just think.

Enjoy the countryside!



Important telephone numbers:

· Emergencies, Fire, Police: 112
· Police: 2122 4001
· Administrative Law Enforcement MALTA: 2122 4001 or 21235761
· Administrative Law Enforcement GOZO: 21562040

Report illegal development to MEPA on 2290 0000
MEPA Planning Protection:
Malta: 9926 9926
Gozo: 9924 9924
MEPA Nature Protection: 7949 6320
MEPA Pollution Control: 9921 9991

If you encounter injured wildlife contact immediately International Animal Rescue Malta (Mr Max Farrugia mobile: 9947 1212)

If you encounter marine wildlife (injured/stranded/dead) contact Nature Trust’s Marine Rescue Team on 9942 2085/6.
Report sightings of marine mammals, reptiles and sharks to Nature Trust on 9942 2085/6 or mlcg@waldonet.net.mt

Be extremely cautious when handling injured animals!

For weekend emergencies i.c.w. injured pet animals such as cats and dogs contact the Vet Emergency Service on 50043888


Report archaeological findings to: Anthony Pace, Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, 138, Melita Street, Valletta. VLT 08. Tel. +356 21 230711; +356 21 251874; Fax. +356 21 251140 E-mail anthony.pace@gov.mt
http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt http://www.culturalheritage.org.mt


The Natural History Museum at Mdina may be interested in knowing about any dead wildlife you encounter.


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Petition by the Ramblers Association of Malta

Petition by the Ramblers Association of Malta to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional Amendments

The Ramblers Association of Malta (hereinafter referred to as “RAM”) is a non-profit,
voluntary, non-governmental organization, created in 2005 specifically to encourage
rambling in our country. The definition of “Rambling”, according to the Concise Oxford
Dictionary, is “walking for pleasure in the countryside”. But rambling is not just another
name for hiking because, unlike hikers, ramblers do their outmost to keep off asphalted
roads and built-up areas, and seek instead to visit out-of-the-way spots of great scenic
beauty or of some other special interest. Unfortunately, this is much easier said than
done because such areas in our countryside are diminishing daily owing to the ongoing
large-scale “development”, legal and illegal, even in what are supposed to be outside
development zones (ODZs). This is what Malta’s true friend Jeremy Boissevain
(TODAY SEMINAR – 22nd March 2006) had to say, among other things, about this:-
“One problem in particular has struck me most forcefully. This is the massive
destruction of the environment since you became independent. Your countryside and
architectural heritage, your coastal zone, the sea surrounding you, even your underground
water supply and the air you breathe, quite literally have been and still are being raped to
put it harshly. They are being exploited for private gain. – omissis –

(The) landscape is threatened by increasing built-up areas, industrial and coastal
development, taller buildings on urban fringes obstructing views of historical centres,
modern agricultural practices, increasing vehicular access, littering, poor standards of
design and lack of maintenance. - omissis -

Illegal quarrying, building and land occupation persists. Moreover, as the debris, the
litter of affluence increases, it is dumped all over the island; in the periphery of villages,
along the shore, at the side of major highways and along deserted country lanes in the
heart of what is left of the island’s once glorious nature. – omissis –

To clean up your landscape is an enormous task. Is it because so few politicians venture
into the countryside that they do not realize the extent of the mess there is and the scale of
the task? Have they just got used to the mess? “

This situation explains why two of the main objectives in RAM’s Statute are:-
(para.3.4) “to identify and to ensure the maintenance of a network of public footpaths in
the open countryside” and
(para.3.5) “to establish and to preserve the right of access to the open countryside and to
the coastal zones”.

In pursuance of these aims, on the 17th September 2008 a RAM delegation had a very
cordial meeting with Parliamentary Secretary Dr.Jason Azzopardi principally to discuss
the problem of lack of access to the secluded beach of Fomm ir-Rih. During this
meeting, a suggestion was made by RAM to include in the Constitution the right of
access to the countryside and coastal zones, including beaches and cliffs overlooking the
sea.

In this respect, Dr.Azzopardi advised RAM to address a petition to the
Parliamentary Select Committee currently considering amendments to our Constitution.

Taking up this suggestion, RAM is hereunder proposing how such right of access could
possibly be enshrined and protected in our Constitution:-
Under the Human Rights Section of the Constitution the right which immediately comes
to mind is that protected under Article 44, i.e. “Protection of Freedom of Movement”
which declares, under sub-art.1, that “No citizen of Malta shall be deprived of his
freedom of movement and, for the purpose of this section, the said freedom means the
right to move freely throughout Malta, the right to reside in any part of Malta, the right
to leave and the right to enter Malta.”

What interests us here is “the right to move freely throughout Malta”. Under art.124 (1)
“Malta” is defined as “the Island of Malta, the Island of Gozo and the other islands of the
Maltese Archipelago, including the territorial waters thereof”. The problem which crops
up at this stage is the phrase “THROUGHOUT MALTA” in that the Constitution does
not seem to make any distinction between those areas of Malta which are of public
domain and those which belong to the private sector. This question of what belongs to
the public, as represented by the Government of Malta, and what belongs to private
owners has gradually become the subject of controversy and gross misunderstandings.
RAM and other NGOs have long been protesting on the way they are continually
harassed and intimated during their outings in the countryside, finding long established
pathways blocked by recently erected gates and signs declaring the land in question as
“Private” and warning the public to “Keep Out”. Incidents involving aggressive dogs and
gun carrying thugs often lead to the intervention of the police who, ironically, usually
back the claims of the alleged private owner, turning back members of the public who
dare challenge such claim. Thus the legal situation has been turned literally on its head.

In fact, since time immemorial our Civil Code, under section 327, always provided that
“Property without an owner belongs to the Government of Malta”. In our opinion, this
section, under the title “On Property”, constitutes a legal presumption in favour of the
Government of Malta (formerly the Crown). In other words, our law lays down that all
property in Malta (whether movable or immovable) is presumed to belong to the State
unless and until whoever claims otherwise proves, according to law, his legal title to the
land or pathway in question. Hence the onus of proof rests squarely on the private
claimant and only when the latter succeeds in proving his claim should he be allowed to
block the free passage of the public.

Similarly, the “Central Registry Bill”, presently before Parliament, under section 63 of
Title V “Public Land”, provides that “- omissis - all streets and alleys, including those
linking two existing roads, but not those leading to an internal development, already in
existence at the time of the coming into force of this Act, - omissis - be they levelled,
asphalted or not, shall, for all intents and purposes, be deemed to be public roads and to
belong to the Government: provided that any interested person may file for registration
of his title to the street, on submitting proof of ownership as provided for in subarticle (2)
of article 65.”

Similarly, as regards the coastline, the same law provides under section 64 that “All the
foreshore, up to fifteen metres from the existing shoreline, shall be deemed to be owned
by the Government of Malta, provided that any person may file for registration of his
title, on submitting proof of ownership as provided for in subarticle (2) of article 65.”
To come back to the Constitution, RAM respectfully submits:-

(a) that the legal presumption, contained in section 327 of the Civil Code and now also
being proposed in articles 63 and 64 of the Central Registry Bill, is so important,
considering the ever diminishing countryside, that it should be enshrined in the
Constitution. This could be done by adding a further definition, to what is already
contained in sub-article (1) of art.44, in respect of the phrase “throughout Malta” by
specifying that “this covers the whole of Malta, including the coastline up to fifteen
metres from the existent shoreline or from sheer cliffs overlooking the sea, and all the
land, roads, streets, alleys and pathways, unless whoever makes a claim on any part
thereof proves his title of ownership thereto according to law.”

(b) that an amendment should be made to art. 38 of the Constitution, which protects the
privacy of home or other property, by specifying, in the exceptions contained in subarticle

(2), that where the landward approach to the coastline of Malta, whether this is
made up of beaches or sheer cliffs overlooking the sea, is obstructed by private land, the
owner of such private land, on payment of an adequate compensation, is to provide and
maintain a pathway to facilitate such approach to the coastline by the public. (Something
on the lines of what is provided, by way of public servitude, under section 447 of the
Civil Code.)

Although the above proposals might perhaps need some refining, RAM hopes that they
are accepted in the spirit in which they are being made and given serious consideration by
the Select Committee in the interest of the common good of our country and people.

RAM President Lino Bugeja
March 2000

15th March 2009: Around Valletta Bastions

15th March 2009: Around Valletta Bastions

Valletta is always an attraction and it was no

surprise that more than a hundred ramblers

started off from City Gate towards Hastings

Gardens from where the panorama of Manoel

Island and Marsamxett was taken in for a few

minutes, even as profaned by the Tigne ghoulish ghetto.

With a quick downhill stride the rocky shore beneath the bastions at Marsamxetto was reached and trodden along as far as the broken bridge to the Breakwater beneath fort St Elmo.

A brief history of the fort was in order at this stage of the walk and taken as a breather. Ramblers contemplated the prospect of the connection to the Breakwater over the bridge and how this could have extended the pleasure.

The walk proceeded as the sun shone in the blue sky of scattered clouds that lent light and colour to ever-changing vistas. The seascape gave way to the magnificent landward views of the bastions, creeks and crags on this side of Grand Harbour.

Getting back and up to the tarmac it was the turn of marine archeologist Timmy Gambin to take the attention of the rambling group. He revealed forgotten aspects of the Valletta waterfront starting at Barriera Wharf along the Perellos Stores up the Nix Mangiare steps to del Monte (now Victoria) Gate past Ta’ Liesse church down to Customs House as far as Pinto Wharf and beyond to the Wine Merchants Wharf. The new informative panels set up by Heritage Malta were amplified very interestingly by Dr Gambin, and ramblers were amused by the historical details behind the places.

The ramble ran on to the other side of the harbour and came to its climax at the Marsovin winery. Not only was the history recounted and the present vineyards for premium wines located, but the vaults were shown and explained as well, with details of the various processes of wine-making. To crown the day, five premium wines were tasted starting from the whites to rose and then to the clarets. Without getting in any way inebriated all ramblers opined that Maltese premium wine compares well to the best that is imported.
Coach transport to City Gate arrived at 3.00pm.

15th March Valletta/Grand Harbour Walk - More photos

Contemplating Marsamxett Harbour

Lanca gejja u ohra sejra

Underneath Fort St Elmo

Near the breakwater

A lone fisherman

Heading towards Taht iz-Ziemel

Fort St Elmo

Delli-Majjiesa Walk 8th March, 2009, Part 1

Thirty seven ramblers turned up for this rough ramble on the wild boulder scree beneath Xaghra l-Hamra. The weather was ideal after the rain of the last few days.

Walk leader: Romano

Duration: 2:45

Descending below the cliff

Rough seas after the high winds

Along the foreshore

Picking our way

Delli-Majjiesa Walk 8th March, 2009, Part 2

Boulders-Ras il-Wahx

A difficult stretch

The beach

A lone fisherman

Our old friend

Gozo Weekend, Sunday 1st March Walk

Today's walk, the last one of the 4th Gozo weekend, was again ably led by John Mizzi.

Walk Leader: John Mizzi

Duration, about 4 hours.

Heading towards the cliff edge

View of cliffs on the west coast of Gozo




It-Tieqa z-Zerqa & il-Gebla tal-General

Tac-Cawla & il-Ponta ta’ Hekka

Heading towards Wied ir-Raheb (1)

Heading towards Wied ir-Raheb (2)

The affable John Mizzi explaining the surroundings

John Mizzi explaining plants & herbs…

The enigmatic cave…

John Mizzi explaining his theories…

…about temples, spirituality and energy points…

…while ramblers listen attentively.

Crossing Wied ir-Raheb again

Returning to Dwejra via the cliff edge