​SUMMER  2026  WALKS​​

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Wednesday, June 24th

Cottonera Bastions & Coast

 

Meeting Point:  Notre Dame Gate
Meeting Time:   6:15 p.m.
Walk Starts:   6:30 p.m.
Buses:   Bus 4 (Valletta–Birgu), Bus 124 (Isla–Marsascala), and Bus 213 (Isla–Mater Dei).

               The nearest bus stops are Hawli, Duminka, and Sultan.
Location:   Google Maps click here

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We start our walk from the Żabbar/Birgu Gate and proceed towards the Notre Dame, St James, and St Louis Bastions. We then descend through a narrow passage and continue to San Salvatore Gate. Crossing into the Kalkara Xewkija area, we follow Il-Mandragg, enjoying views of Kalkara Creek. We then turn towards the Vittoriosa Waterfront, walk to the Bormla Bridge, and enter Senglea. Here, we continue along Ix-Xatt and make our way up to the Gardjola Gardens, where we stop for a short break.

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We then head towards St Michael Bastion through the underseen heart of Senglea, continuing to the Clock Tower and the regenerated "Daħla ta' l-Isla". From there, we descend into Bormla, cross the Dock 1 Bridge, climb the Triq Matty Grima stairs, and make our way out of Cottonera between the Verdala and Firenzuola Bastions. For the final 400 metres, we walk straight ahead with De La Salle College, St Edward's College, and Tal-Ħawli on our left, and Verdala Park and the Cottonera Sports Complex on our right.

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Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

Rating: Mostly an easy walk

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​​Advice for Walkers

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This section provides advice for anyone taking part in a walk organised by the Malta Geographical Society.

Most walks involve using paths around and occasionally across fields; they can be uneven and muddy. In spring and summer you may have to cope with vegetation on and next to the paths.

Our walks are led by experienced walk leaders.

Here there is advice on clothing, what to bring on walks and good practice for group walks.

       All walkers

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• Note that walks start at the time given on the walk program. Anyone who wants to join the walk after it has started or who decides to leave before it has finished should make sure the leader knows.

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    Parking

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• The Society  encourages car sharing to get to walks – partly to reduce our carbon footprint and partly to ensure we all can park.

      Clothing/Footwear  

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• Anyone coming on a Society walk should be suitably clothed. A list of essential items includes:

• a pair of walking boots or shoes,also a spare pair of shoes in the car

• a waterproof jacket, outdoor trousers; a hat of some sort depending on the weather, something to eat and drink. Water is important to keep you hydrated.

• A walking pole is useful and a whistle for emergencies and for wet weather a pair of over trousers.

• Something to sit on to protect against the damp and the cold is important.

• Some may wish to bring a first aid-kit, a change of clothing and sun-glasses and sun cream. 
   

      Food and drink

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• Bring food and drink  for the refreshment breaks. 

 

      Accidents/incidents

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• Alert the walk leader immediately if you feel unwell or need medical attention.

In the event of an incident/accident occurring report it to the Secretary or Chairman as soon as possible after the walk.

•    Leaders do carry First Aid kits and have basic First Aid training.

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    On the walk

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     The walk coordinator is in charge and responsible for ensuring the safety of the group and follow all instructions when directed. Do not move ahead of the walk coordinator.

     It is important that we all play a part in keeping walkers in touch on a walk. If you need to go into the bushes please tell someone so that they can tell the leader. Please let someone know if you are stopping – for whatever reason. Be aware of the walkers behind you at path junctions and ensure they have seen you turn off onto a sometimes hidden path.

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     We ask all walkers to respect protected plants and vegetation and to leave no trace of food/fruit as it will take months to decompose. Take any rubbish that you have accumulated on the walk home with you.

    Particular care should be taken when walking along a road without a pavement. You are advised to walk single file and face the oncoming traffic unless blind bends make this dangerous. Please take care when crossing a road and when walking on quiet, narrow lanes and try to keep to one side, normally the right hand side.

    When using gates make sure that any gate is left as found, and not left open when it should be closed. When walking across a field and through crops keep as close as you can to any obvious route but sometimes the leader has to rely on a map to guide the way. Please walk in single file where the pathway is narrow and keep together and walk briskly when using the public footpaths which go through private gardens close to houses.

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    A farmer/land manager may have posted notices with instructions for walkers; look out for these. Similarly there may be notices from local councils saying that a path is obstructed for some reason and advising an alternative route.

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