Latest Walks Program

Walking in the countryside is an important part of the education about our natural environment, our culture and our history. The Ramblers’ Association organises about 50 walks every year, and has several expert walk leaders to help you enjoy the best routes we have found while tracking ourselves.

How do I join?

Becoming a member of our Association allows you to attend all of the walks included in our walks programme.

How difficult are the walks?

The Ramblers often leave the paved roads to roam the countryside and this may not be suitable for everybody. Therefore all walks are graded as follows, in order to indicate whether they are suitable for you or not:

Easy for the occasional rambler who prefers leisurely strides at a slower pace.
Moderate  for the average rambler who can take 3-4 hour stretches of walking on uneven surfaces.
Hard for the fit rambler in good physical shape and able to negotiate steep inclines and long stretches.
Very Hard  only for hardy ramblers loving difficult challenges, and who are ready to take a beating.

Our walk leaders do their best to scout and properly grade each walk beforehand and ensure these walks are done with the Code of Practice in mind. Members who are interested in becoming Walk Leaders are invited to come forward. New and original routes would be welcome, but this is not a must. Please contact us if you are interested and the Walks Coordinator will get in touch with you to give you more details. You can also speak to the committee members during any of the walks.

Some walks might present problems to anyone who is not used to walking over unpaved ground. Good walking shoes and suitable clothing for the weather are recommended. Please bring some drinking water along, especially on the longer walks. RAM endeavors to adhere to the published walks programme but reserves the right to make changes without prior notice, as the need arises. Walks are organized for the benefit of RAM members. Guests are welcome to try any walk and are invited to join the Association if they find the going good and wish to come again. Walks will be cancelled in case of very bad weather. If in doubt please phone 99497080 / 79594267

RAM takes great care in picking the trails but one’s safety is ultimately one’s responsibility. One can choose to stop walking at any stage as one deems fit, to suit one’s abilities. By choosing to walk with the Ramblers one is exempting the Association from any form of responsibility for personal loss or injury, and RAM declines all responsibility for any personal injury or loss of life and belongings.

Note: Bookings for restricted walks are not transferable. If one is accepted on a restricted walk one cannot decide to transfer one’s booking to another person. Should one not be able to make the booked walk one is to inform the organizers at once.

Walks Programme – April to June 2017

Posted on by May 18, 2017

Spring Walks Calendar – 2017

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Sunday 2nd April: Qrendi – Zurrieq and the surrounding countryside

A scenic walk along lovely rustic lanes and paths in this area.

Duration: about 3 to 4 hours  
Rating: Moderate
Meeting Place: Qrendi – in front of the Chapel at Il-Maqluba
Time: 09:00

Sunday 9th: Naxxar to Baħar iċ-Cagħaq (Scenic)

This is dedicated to Hugh Pace who had originally led this walk. We will be following the Victoria Lines with views from a high vantage point, coming back along country lanes. There will be rough terrain and steep inclines, which could be slippery, if wet.

Duration: about 3 to 4 hours  
Rating: Hard with some inclines and rough terrain
Meeting Place: St. Paul’s Chapel, San Pawl tat-Targa)
Time: 09:00   

Wednesday 12th: Hugging the coastline:  Floriana-Pieta-Msida-Ta Xbiex- Gzira-Sliema-St. Julians -Pembroke-Bahar ic Caghaq. (NEW!)

This is a straight walk along the busy coastline between Floriana and finishing at Bahar ic Caghaq. It is not a circular walk but one may catch the bus back from the finishing point or opt to catch the bus anywhere along the route.
Meeting Place:                By Phoenicia Hotel Floriana
Time:                                  14:00
Rating:                               Easy
Duration                             3.5hrs

Sunday 16th April:   Easter Sunday Special Treat
Guided visit to the University Botanical Collection      

A special Easter treat exclusively organised for the Ramblers to visit the Botanical Collections of the University of Malta at the Argotti Gardens. The leading authority of the Botanical faculty will be explaining the special species grown and preserved there and give other information about the exotic plants at the time of spring when the plants are at their best.  A fee of €5 will be payable by the participants whose numbers will be restricted. Applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis.  Booking opens on 1st April and last calls will be received by Wednesday 12th April.  A rare opportunity not to be missed.

Duration: 2 hours
Rating: Very easy and short so that all participants will be back home by noon for the Easter lunch.
Meeting place:       Sarria Church, Floriana
Time: 09.00 sharp.

Sunday 23rd: Kirkop – Mqabba – Qrendi – Kirkop (Historical-Cultural)

From Kirkop Parish Square we walk along the outskirts of the village and proceed to Tar-Robba, then through Mqabba and on to Qrendi, passing by a number of interesting historical sites. The walk will also include a visit to the recently restored Mqabba “Plague Hospital”

Duration: about 3.5 hours  
Rating: Easy
Meeting Place: Kirkop Parish Church
Time: 09:00

Wednesday 26th: Around Zebbug and Siggiewi (NEW!)

A walk abundant with views, passing ridges, valleys and rural areas taking us through Wied Hanzir, Ta’ Kandja, Tal-Providenza, Ta’ Haxluq, Siggiewi and Wied Hesri.
Meeting Place: the ex-Peridot Hall in Zebbug (at the bottom of the hill on your way to Siggiewi)
Time:                  14:00
Rating:                Moderate
Duration:              up to 3 hrs

Sunday 30th:   Żejtun-Marsaxlokk-Żejtun. (Scenic and historical).

A fairly-long circular walk covering urban and rural features such as old residencies, alleys, chapels, forts, old hamlets, cliffs, and others. The walk is in three parts: the first one is urban, the second is rural and coastal, and the third is urban on returning to Żejtun from the Ħal Biżbud side. Ramblers are urged to refrain from running ahead or lagging behind during this interesting walk. So please keep close as a group for the benefit of all participants. A 10-15 minute break will be taken near one of the features being visited.

Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
Rating: Moderate to hard (mainly because of the length) with some inclines.
Meeting Place: Near Żejtun Parish Church of St Catherine.
Time: 09:00

29th April to 6th May: Catalunya Trekking Festival in Spain

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Sunday 7th May: Mellieha – Mistra Valley and Bay – Selmun Bay
(Coastal and Country /Scenic)

From Mellieha Park and Drive we head down to Mistra Valley past an ancient apiary then onto Mistra Bay. We walk up past Mistra Battery than we cut across to Fort Campbell down through the countryside to Mgiebeh (Selmun Bay). After a much needed rest at Selmun Bay we head along the coast up to il- Kortin and back to our starting point.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
Rating: Moderate to hard due to rough terrain and steep inclines
Meeting Place: Mellieha Park and Drive (Valyou shopping centre)
Time: 09:00 

Wednesday 10th May: Girgenti – Buskett and surrounding country side (NEW!)

The walk will take us downhiil Wied Girgenti, thru the green valley of Wied Il-Luq, uphill along the wooded fringes of Buskett Gardens towards the garrigue plain with spectacular views and a wild array of shallow coralline quarries and many lesser  visited cart ruts. From here we cross in front of Ta’ Zuta quarry to Wied Girgenti downhill to the Sanctuary.
Duration: about 3 hours
Rating: some easy, mostly moderate
Meeting Place: Siggiewi parish church
Meeting time: 1:30p.m.

Sunday 14th May: COMINO – A coastal walk around Comino

An interesting and scenic tour of the smallest of the Maltese Islands visiting the historical sites and geological features.  There is no shade, so come prepared. Bring a packed lunch and swim wear (optional).

The ferry boat ride to and from Comino will carry a fee of €10, payable on the spot to committee members so that all ramblers leave together.  Please be on time at 08:30 hrs to get the tickets.

Duration: 5 hours. Ferry back at about 2 p.m. (option to catch later ferry)
Rating: Moderate with rough ground
Meeting Place: Cirkewwa near Comino ferry boats
Time: 08:30 to leave at 08:45.

Sunday 21st May: There will be two walks being offered today.

  1. RESTRICTED WALK : Walking Along the Fault

    Many have heard of the famous Rift Valley in Africa but few people know that we have something similar here in Malta. We shall be following the edge of the fault and will locate geological features which are typical. The walk is along rugged cliffs and is not for the faint-hearted; it is hard and one must be     sure-footed and have a good head for heights.This walk is restricted to a small limited number on a first come, first accepted basis. Time and meeting place will be communicated individually by email. The walk may be repeated in future should there be demand.
    This walk is to be considered as     a hard one because of the rough terrain.To book send an email (not an SMS) with the subject –Walking along the Fault – to ram205@gmail.com.
    Booking opens on the 10th of May.  Kindly note that any emails arriving before the 10th of May will be ignored.
  2. Bahar ic-Caghaq – Pembroke – Madliena (Scenic / Cultural)An interesting walk through the British Garrison of Pembroke visiting some very interesting sites and buildings before heading for the Madliena Heights and then back down to Bahar ic-Caghaq.Duration: About 3 hrs
    Rating: Moderate but with sections of rough terrain and some inclines.
    Meeting Place: Bahar ic-Caghaq by the Ice Cream Kiosk.
    Time: 09:00

Wednesday 24th May : Ad Hoc Cultural Walk on the N/W outskirts of Mosta (NEW!)

Dr George Cassar will be leading the cultural tour to three very interesting sites on the northwest outskirts of Mosta.

The tour will start with a guided visit to the Bistra catacombs, which have recently been given an expertly face-lift to make them accessible to the public. A new interpretation centre as well as a very modern and up-to-date protective marquee have been built to envelope the surprising remains which few know of. The modern set-up was possible through funds coming from the EU. (An entrance fee of €3 will be charged on site)

The walk will then proceed to the Speranza chapel, which will be opened for our visit to witness the rich decoration of the interior baroque. The chapel has been a site of devotion towards Our Lady of Hope for centuries and consequently always kept in a good state of preservation. It was reputedly built on the underlying cave where a maiden tending sheep sought cover from marauding corsairs during one of their raids on Malta during the time of the Knights.

Trekking down through valley is impossible due to the wild vegetation so the shortest route is taken to the chapel of St Paul the Hermit that lies in the depth of the valley inside a large cave. The ramblers have often passed by the chapel but this time round the chapel will again be opened for the occasion and the primordial chapel preceding the existing one explained. Once down in the valley the hardy ramblers can climb visit to the lesser known paleo-christian tomb dug in the rock face in the vicinity.

Time: 2.45pm
Meeting Place: Bus Stop at San Guzepp tat-Targa, at junction of the entrance to the Gnien l-Gharusa tal-Mosta, Mosta.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Grading: Easy.

Sunday 28th May: Gozo

From Mgarr (Gozo), we will take the scenic route to Qala Belveder, passing by il-Mithna, which will lead us down to the valley and bay of Dahlet Qorrot. Crossing this valley past many citrus trees, will take us to the outskirts of Nadur and back to the ferry. We will meet several troglodyte caves on our way and those who are more adventurous, can explore them at will.

Duration: From 3 to 4 hours (walking)
Rating: Moderate but with sections of rough terrain.
Meeting Place: Take the 08:15 ferry from Cirkewwa.
Time: The walk will be starting from Mgarr Harbour at 08:45.

Wednesday 31st May: Mosta, Rabat (Chadwick Lakes and Dwejra Lines), Mosta
(Scenic/ historical)

Our very interesting circular walk leads us through parts of the valley of the Chadwick Lakes (Wied Qlejja), uphill to the Dwejra Lines and downhill back to the starting point. Rural landscape with deep valleys and fertile farmland. Good view.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.
Rating: Easy to Moderate with some inclines.
Meeting Place: Mosta Parish Church
Time: 16:00 (Please note the change in the starting time)

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Sunday 4th June: Dingli Area (Scenic)

This scenic walk along Dingli Cliffs will take us past the radar station towards Bobbyland restaurant and the surrounding area. Please note the earlier meeting time due to the summer heat.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Rating: Moderate with some rough terrain
Meeting Place: St Mary Magdalene Chapel, Triq Panoramika, Dingli Cliffs
Time: 08:30   (Please note the change in the starting time)

Sunday 11th June: Ghadira – Paradise Bay – and surrounding country roads (Scenic)

A circular walk taking us through some wooded areas and along rocky coastline and sandy beaches to the North of the Island.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Rating: Easy to Moderate with some inclines.
Meeting Place: Mellieha Bay Hotel parking place (at Ghadira)
Time: 08:30

Ramblers may wish to follow up the walk with a cooling swim at Ghadira Bay!

Wednesday 14th June: Qawra, Burmarrad, Bidnija, Mosta, Qawra
(Scenic and historical)

From the “Bella Vista Hotel” at Qawra, we walk through the important Salina National Park, pass by the Birdpark and the chapel of St. Michael. At Burmarrad, we visit the famous Church of San Pawl Milqi. Then, our tour leads us uphill to Bidnija. We pass the Parish Church and go downhill to the outskirts of Mosta and through the fertile fields back to the starting point. This beautiful landscape is of great historical importance for the Roman period in Malta.

Duration: Approximately 2 – 3 hours.
Rating: Easy to moderate with some inclines.
Meeting Place: Kennedy memorial in Salini Park
Time: 16:00

Sunday 18th June: Five Wayside-Chapels Trail (Scenic/ Geological)

As the name suggests, we will be passing by these five wayside chapels which unfortunately will surely be closed. Along the way we will pass through a deep valley, by collapsed bridges, along a wider plain with a feature called “Risq il-Widien”. Catacombs, Beehives, Hard-stone Quarries and Cart-ruts will be viewed on this circular walk.

Duration: 3 to 4 hrs     
Rating: Moderate
Meeting place: San Pawl tat-Targa Chapel (Bus 260 every hour)
Time: 08:30

Sunday 25th June: Gardens and Bastions

A coastline walk around the Valletta bastions taking in the restored bridge to the breakwater and the side beneath St Elmo then rising up to the scenic gardens overlooking Grand Harbour.

The walk will end up with an optional lunch at the Ordnance Pub to celebrate the end of the Walking season. (Those staying on for lunch are requested to phone by Saturday 24th to reserve seating.)

Price indication:  A selection of Pasta: €10.50/ Burgers with salad & chips: €8.50/ Various salads: €9.50.

Rating: Moderate
Duration: 3 hrs + lunch
Meeting Place: Hotel Phoenicia front
Time: 08:30

Wednesday: 28th June: Luqa, Santa Lucija, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Bir Miftuh, Luqa
(Scenic and historical)

From the centre of Luqa, we walk through rural farmland to Santa Lucija where we visit the Chinese Garden and the Garden of Serenity. From there, we ramble on, surrounded by fertile fields to the Chapel of Santa Lucija and at Ghaxaq, to the Torri Kalamija and the Chapel of Christus. Then, our very interesting tour leads us via the centres of Ghaxaq and Gudja to the chapel of Santa Marija ta’ Bir Miftuh and back to the starting point at Luqa.

Duration: 3 to 4 hrs
Rating: Easy to moderate with some inclines
Meeting Place: Luqa Parish Church
Time: 16:00

Wednesday 12th July: Dingli, Buskett, Dingli (Scenic and historical)

From the centre of Dingli, we walk to the village of Buskett, where we visit the famous sites of Clapham Junction (cart ruts) and of Ghar il-Kbir (cave dwellings). After that, we walk through a rustic landscape to the entrance of Girgenti Palace (Inquisitor’s Palace) and then along Dingli Cliffs, passing by the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalen, back to the starting point.

Duration: 2 to 3 hrs
Rating: Easy to Moderate with some inclines.
Meeting Place: Dingli Parish Church
Time: 16:00

Wednesday 26th: Attard, Lija, Mosta, Ta’ Qali, Attard (Scenic and historical)

Our circular tour leads us from Attard to the centre of Lija and its Paris Church, then through fertile fields to Mosta, where we pass by the Pama Shopping Village and soon reach the Mosta Parish Church with its magnificent dome. We walk back to Attard via Ta’ Qali. The view over the landscape is especially good near Lija and at Ta’ Qali.

Duration: 2 to 3 hrs
Rating: Easy to Moderate with some inclines.
Meeting Place: Attard Parish Church.
Time: 16:00

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