Victoria Lines - Gharghur, Malta - Ancient Traces and Roads on Waymarking.com

The epic Victoria Lines hiking route, which stretches from coast to coast across the north of Malta. As a walking trail today, it provides stunning views to both the north and the south coast. The 12km long trail runs along the top of a natural geographical barrier known as the Great Fault.

"The Victoria Lines, originally known as the North West Front, are a line of fortifications that spans 12 kilometres along the width of Malta, dividing the north of the island from the more heavily populated south.

Location
The Victoria Lines run along a natural geographical barrier known as the Great Fault, from Madliena in the east, through the limits of the town of Mosta in the centre of the island, to Bingemma and the limits of Rabat, on the west coast. The complex network of linear fortifications known collectively as the Victoria Lines, that cut across the width of the island north of the old capital of Mdina, was a unique monument of military architecture.

Background
When built by the British military in the late 19th century, the line was designed to present a physical barrier to invading forces landing in the north of Malta, intent on attacking the harbour installations, so vital for the maintenance of the British fleet, their source of power in the Mediterranean. Although never tested in battle, this system of defences, spanning some 12 km of land and combining different types of fortifications—forts, batteries, entrenchments, stop-walls, infantry lines, searchlight emplacements and howitzer positions—constituted a unique ensemble of varied military elements all brought together to enforce the strategy adopted by the British for the defence of Malta in the latter half of the 19th century, a singular solution which exploited the defensive advantages of geography and technology as no other work of fortifications does in the Maltese islands.

The Victoria Lines owe their origin to a combination of international events and the military realities of the time. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 highlighted the importance of the Maltese islands."

Feature Discription: The lookout place called on top of the world. Here you have a great view over a part of the victoria line. It was also the point where we started our walk. Web address for the route: [Web Link] Secondary Web Address: [Web Link] Beginning of the road: Fort Pembroke End of the road: Bahrija

Visit Instructions:
We ask that if you visit the site, please include a unique picture with your impressions of the location. If possible, and if you are not too shy, please include yourself and your group in the photo. Extra points will be given for your best buffalo imitation or if you are licking something salty.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   02/07/2025 PetjeOp visited it