10 Handy Tips for Prospective Hikers

 I'll admit this isn't the best time to start planning hikes - summer in Malta is anything but hiker friendly. Nevertheless, it is never too early to start planning, familiarizing yourself to the world of hiking and preparing for many autumn hikes. 

Before you embark on this exciting journey of exploration, keep these simple, yet essential tips in mind:

Tip 1: Plan ahead

Sure, it’s true that you’ll have this handy guidebook and map in hand, but before you go on a walk it’s a good idea to look up the location on Google Maps to see how you can get there, and get an idea of the terrain you’ll be navigating.

Tip 2: Check the weather: 

Laugh all you like at the idea of a thunderstorm...I’m aware that it’s almost always sunny weather, but you simply never know! Checking the weather doesn’t only mean seeing if you’ll be needing an umbrella or not – a windy forecast may often result in an unpleasant experience. 

Since Malta is an island in the open Mediterranean, winds can be quite strong as there are high lands such as mountains to offer shelter. When the weather is such, find an inland walk – preferably some valley, but at high winds it’s advised to stay inside. Remember that this is the countryside you’ll be in – where particles flying around may leave you with a very irritated eye!

Tip 3: Wear good walking shoes and comfortable attire

Don’t go attempting to cross the Bingemma Gap wearing heels! Ensure that you have a good and comfortable walking shoes – hiking boots are more ideal than the ordinary tennis shoes, especially when tackling off-the path areas and coastline trails.  Another key for comfort is your choice of attire. Dress in layers – when walking, your body temperature rises, and you’ll start to feel the heat. Have a light jacket you can take off – or put on if a gust of wind decides to blow your way, but don’t go taking off a scarf or really fluffy jacket – or you’ll catch cold!

Tip 4: Stick to the main path and avoid field paths

As annoying as it might be, our countryside is not so open as it could be. If you see RTO (Reserved To Owner), Private Property or even some loose chain running from one side to the other of a path you were planning to take, give a sigh and change your routes. These paths, closed by farmers owning fields in that area, are just like the many other paths you’ll get the chance to explore. This increase in dead-ends is coming as a consequence of farmers having things stolen from their fields, and as it happens in every case, the good ones suffer with the bad one’s. 

Maybe some day these secret and linking paths will be open for exploration once more, but for now, do your best to route your walk in another way. I’m sure you wouldn’t like to be shouted at by some angry farmer who sees you, not as a hiker enjoying nature, but a trespasser and potential burglar to his precious tomatoes!

Tip 5: Stay on the alert

Malta’s amount of cars seems to be increasing drastically. In some narrow lanes, there won’t be space for both you and a car to pass by – especially not a farm truck. Keep an ear (two actually) open for any coming car – or motorcycle. The latter's barely even bother to slow down! Any decent driver will though – find an opening to your side and wait for the vehicle to pass. When your road keeps curving, never walk round a blind corner – oncoming traffic will not be expecting you. Always stay on the outer side of the curve – so that you can see what’s ahead – and so cars can see you, and when walking in double-lane roads, face the opposing traffic, so that you can see what’s coming from ahead.

Tip 6: Come prepared

If careful, the chances of needing a first aid kit are low. For short walks with paved terrain bandages and alcohol are enough, but a first aid kit is essential for long and cut-off routes - so have one handy. This should include … wraps, splits and wound coverings, medications/treatments, tools & supplies, and personal items such as sunscreen.

4 adhesive bandages, ½ roll medical tape, ½-ounce tube of antibiotic treatment, 3 small packages of pills: ibuprofen, Benadryl, and an antidiarrheal, 2-3 antiseptic wipes, 2-3 butterfly bandages, Tweezers, Safety pins, One sheet of moleskin, Water treatment tablets, Latex gloves

Other hiking essentials: water, a map, compass, torch, watch.

Tip 7: Be strategic

As well as being strategic, be realistic. Don’t go on some 10km walk when the most you’ve ever done is a jog round your village. If you’re a beginner, start with an easy route – short and sweet. It will still be equally enjoyable – and sometimes, the shortest routes are the nicest. They won’t leave you all hot and sweaty – and what’s more – they can be done in an hour or so.

Each season has it’s best times for a walk. Early morning or late evening walks are best in summer - it proves to be too hot for any afternoon activity. Walks in autumn, spring and winter are nicest in late mornings and afternoon – because remember that it gets starts getting dark early in September. While on a walk you had started in broad daylight, you may just find yourself coming back in pitch darkness.  When walking in late evening, wearing a vest bicyclists wear, is a good idea.

Tip 8:  Respect private property and mother nature

On a complete different note, fields belonging to farmers are completely, and rightly so, their own personal and private properties. We are not talking about the paths that link these fields, but the actual fields. Don’t go picking fruits from trees or taking vegetables from patently grown crops – that hard work is meant to go to the farmer’s market to be sold at its deserving price. 

Similarly, keep your litter in a bag to dispose of back home. As much as you wouldn’t like someone dumping plastic bottles and wrappers on your porch, farmer’s will be equally angry and annoyed to find pieces of litter scattered in their fields. Remember the golden rule: don’t do things that you wouldn’t want others to do to you!

Tip 9: Beware of unchained dogs

Though illegal, some farmers do like to leave their dogs free to roam about their farm and fields. The majority are friendly, but it’s always best to not take any chances. If you do happen to encounter a dog blocking your way in a lane it’s important to notice its non-verbal's. Is it seeing you as a threat to its master’s property? Is its owner nearby and ready to call it away to let you pass? Or is it just minding its own business sniffing at this bush and that? When the owner is at hand, he will most likely call the dog to his side – so your problem will be solve, but otherwise cross it at your own risk! You won’t often find loose dogs – if the dog’s attitude appears vicious and ready to attack, retreat and report the irresponsible owner. You’ll be doing all your fellow hikers a favour.

Tip 10:  Keep a good lookout for bees’ nests

This mostly counts for the summer months. Malta isn’t called ‘Melita’, which means honey, for nothing. Between May and September the air will be buzzing with the humming of the bees. Bess like to build their nests in the Maltese countryside wall –il-hitan tas-sejjieh. When walking, walk in the centre of the path and keep a distance from side walls.

HAPPY HIKING

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