This activity in a walkers’ paradise brings people together

Words by Vanessa Macdonald

Malta has much to offer from the trekking point of view. And when this activity in a walkers’ paradise brings people together, turns them into a team and takes on a fundraising aim for a good cause, the sport is even more fulfilling. Serial fundraiser and trekker Keith Marshall does not hesitate when asked about the Maltese Islands as a walkers’ paradise: “Topographically, the interior is amazing, and the whole coastline is raw and rugged. And add to that the fact that the weather is so good!” Keith has found a way to combine his love of the outdoors with his fundraising – which means that he organises treks at least four times a week, with extra ones added at the slightest excuse.

“Everyone has become so busy! Walking gives people the chance to unwind and to meditate a bit, and the fact that you have to disengage from social media is also important. Some treks are more effective than others: for example, if you walk along the cliffs, you need to concentrate and watch your step, which means your attention is more focused,” he explains. Keith may describe the weather as being “good” but, of course, he is referring to winter, when the temperature is a balmy 16-17⁰C. In summer, the heat soars into the 30s, which becomes a challenge. So for those few months, he plans his walks – which last two to three hours on average – before it gets too hot. “This means waking up at 4.30am, which is not everyone’s cup of tea,” he laughs. Still, his treks attract dozens of people at a time, and if they are training for one of his fundraising events, it means several months of well-planned walks, gradually building up stamina and fitness levels.

“We welcome beginners, but the aim is that, with time, they push themselves, slowly but surely. Bear in mind that if they intend to come on one of our fundraising events – such as the Camino de Santiago – they will need to do around 25km a day, each and every day,” he cautions. Many people who join him are encouraged to take that first step – pun intended – with an organised group, as they are not quite sure where to start from. The ideal trek begins near convenient parking, and takes in different vistas, especially unexpected ones that appear once you crest a hill or look down into a valley. And if they are circular, ending up where they started, well, even better. Treks in Malta have different levels of difficulty, from an easy walk to ones that require bouldering skills and can last from just an hour to several! However, most treks are not an endurance test with the aim being to make them social. The groups often stop for a swim or for a few snacks, and the emphasis is very much on building camaraderie.

“The restrictions of COVID-19 – especially the closure of the airport – made us really appreciate the great outdoors. There has been a real surge in trekking and kayaking,” Keith says. He has been involved in fundraising for years, having given up his long career in the pharmaceutical industry to work full-time on fundraising after he went to Ethiopia on a whim to help a Gozitan missionary for whom he had raised money. “The trip made me think long and hard about my life and the need to re-programme. Since then, I have raised around €1.5 million for projects in six countries, all with the help of like-minded people. And we have other projects underway in Morocco, Brazil and Uganda,” he says, ticking off his list of 13 trips to Mt Kilimanjaro, eight Caminos and two travels to Mt Toubkal.

“We raised €100,000 from our first trip to climb Mt Kilimanjaro! I did not even know where it was when I first heard about it and had to check it out on the internet. But we realised that there was a real thirst for trekkers to be able to go beyond the Maltese shores, making it a great platform for fundraising. “In spring, we will be taking a group of around 20 to do the Camino de Santiago, another to climb Mt Toubkal in Morocco and one to Machu Picchu in Peru. There is something very special about bringing people together and watching them turn into a team,” he adds. “Once you get involved, it gives you a tremendous sense of purpose and achievement. Let me give you an example: a member of the group spent days baking for a fundraiser, cooking six Easter sweets – known as figolli – at a time.  “It is all about doing something that has real value. And when the sun sets on our lives, we want to look back at what we have achieved. That is what counts.”

There are numerous treks around the islands, with the best being along the cliff edges on Malta’s west coast. This 9km trek starts in Wied iż-Żurrieq, a wonderful little village perched on the cliffs, which is also the starting point for boat trips to the Blue Grotto. While there, peek inside the Xutu Tower, run by the national trust of Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa.

The trek goes up the road along the cliffs back towards Żurrieq, offering stunning views of the island of Filfla, and crosses the gorge known as Wied Babu. There is a path down through the gorge on the far side, which boasts abundant foliage from various species that vie dramatically with each other for the sunlight. The path is only a few metres wide and is one of the most atmospheric on the island. From there, you can go back towards the top of the cliffs and follow the circular path back to the outskirts of Żurrieq before you double back to Wied iż-Żurrieq. At an average speed, the trek should take you three hours.