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Do not light open fires. Mhux permess jitqabbdu nirien.
Code of Conduct
Victorian military training tracks were used by the military to practice target shooting while on the move. Today these are protected by law.
Keep to the trail and do not step on wild plants as much as possible. Nibƒg˙u g˙an-natura. Ûomm mal-passa©©.
At the end of the walk, you will reach Madliena Tower, which dates back to the Military Order of the Knights’ of St John era. This was one of the towers constructed by Grand Master De Redin to guard the east coast of the island against invasions. The tower is very interesting for its military features and was later even used as a defence station by the British Forces.
Pembroke Local Council
Kindly respect the wildlife. Do not cut flowers and damage trees. Irrispetta n-natura. Taqtax fjuri u tkissirx si©ar
Close to a noticeable building on the right, half-way along the walk and where Range C once stood, you can see the Pembroke reverse osmosis plant. This is the biggest of four desalination plants found in the Maltese islands; 50% of the island’s water comes from such plants. Malta gets an average of 500mm of rainfall each year, from which the land only manages to absorb some 16%.
Sandhurst Building is a prominent structure along the last part of the trail on the left, walking towards the tower. This building boasts a beautiful clock tower, typical of British military buildings. During the British rule it was used as the Forces’ quarters and as a rehabilitation hospital during the war. Today it operates as a state school.
Investing in Your Future
Do not dispose of litter on this site. T˙ammi©x. Ag˙mel uƒu mir-reçipjenti tal-iskart
Just as you leave Range B, look further up the road slightly away from the trail, and you will see the Victorian era training areas where soldiers used to take position to practice shooting at targets set up in Range B.
Along the path you will spot some interesting small structures – these were shelters built in the British Victorian era and were used by the soldiers to rest or shelter from the rain.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007– 2013 Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life Project part-financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds
Keep pets on a leash and clean after your pets. Annimali g˙andhom jinƒammu b’çinga. Jekk i˙amm©u, naddaf warajhom.
Since Pembroke was used as a British Military base during British rule, the forces used the area for practicing with ammunition and heavy artillery. You can spot remains of Victorian Military shooting Ranges. Pembroke had five ranges, four of which still exist today. Close to the first resting spot, you will see Range B, which was used for small fire arms training.
Pembroke is known for its rich flora. During the months of spring you can see a variety of orchids, some of which are either rare or endemic (i.e. native only to Malta). Orchids usually appear in the early spring. As well as orchids, you will also see a wide range of other interesting flowering plants, such as the Star of Bethlehem, a variety of irises, wild thyme and many more.
No off-roading is allowed in this Natura 2000 site. Din hija sit tan-Natura 2000. Mhux permess sewqan ta’ vetturi.
Moving along the heritage trail you can admire the view and at the same time rest at the various viewing points along this trail. These rest points offer some magnificent views of the Pembroke Natura 2000 site and its heritage.
Moving along you will come to a military footbridge that was used by Victorian soldiers to move from one range to another during their practice. The bridge was constructed to enable easy passage from one range to another, and to allow rain water to pass underneath.
Photo: Mr Leslie Vella
Starting the heritage trail from the Pembroke Gardens you can see on the right a typical example of a rocky beach, offering a variety of marine ecology along this shore. This bay is very popular with locals and tourists during the summer months, and is also an attraction for snorkelers who like to observe marine biodiversity. Octopus, sea urchins, barnacles and many more can be spotted along this bay.
MAP LEGEND 1
FOUGASSE 1
2
MADLIENA TOWER
3
MELITA GROUNDS
4
SHELTER ROOM
5
AFM RANGE D
6
TRAINING TRACKS
7
VIEWPOINT
8
AFM RANGE E
9
MILITARY FOOT BRIDGE
10
REVERSE OSMOSIS (DESALINATION PLANT)
11 12
2 5
8
6
10
RANGE B
Rocky beach
4
TRAINING POST
11
9
13 12
13
ROCKY BEACH 3
14
VIEWPOINT
15
PEMBROKE ATHLETA GROUNDS
16
PEMBROKE GARDENS
17
RADISSON BLU RESORT & SPA
18
Vi ew
7
po
int
Vi ew
po
int
14 15
16
18
CORINTHIA HOTEL, ST GEORGE’S BAY CYCLING/WALKING TRAIL
Caution:
It is the responsibility of visitors to approach this heritage trail with caution. Individuals should ensure that they are fit before embarking on any outdoor activities. Visitors are warned not to venture outside the heritage trail when the red flags are up between the desalination plant and Madliena Tower. Red flags mean that the Armed Forces of Malta are carrying out military exercises in this area. Please keep to the track. Children should not be left unattended in this heritage trail. Adults should accompany the children at all times.
17
Do not walk in Range D and E area when the red flags are flying as this means that the Armed Forces of Malta are conducting military practice.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER
112