Gozo Loop
Embarking on our Gozo Loop adventure was driven by a grander vision. Our decision to circumnavigate the Gozo coast served as a rigorous training ground for an even more ambitious challenge.
The journey started at the Gozo Ferry Terminal, where we shouldered our backpacks laden with essential gear – tents, sleeping gears, cooking utensils, provisions, and my camera equipment (bearing in mind that my camera with its attached lens alone weighed 2.5kg). Karl bore a 15kg load while I carried 12kg, the weight resting upon our shoulders.
Setting our course along the western trail from the ferry terminal, we embarked on a seemingly endless hike. We paused at the public garden near Ta Cenc Cliffs, for a nourishing lunch.
The path through Ta Cenc was particularly captivating— a sights of a small airplane skimming the cliff edge and a vast multitude of Swifts embarked on their seasonal migratory journey (one even surprised me with a close flyby—see from the video below).
A brief break at Sanap Cliffs before carrying our journey to Xlendi. When we reached Xlendi, we indulged in well-earned refreshments at a local restaurant, a glass of cold beer and Aperol Spritz, a momentary indulgence before embarking on a demanding ascent up a steep incline en route to Dwerja.
Upon reaching Dwerja, we replenished our supplies before going back on the trail, we had to accelerate our pace before the sun disappear from the horizon.
Darkness had fallen by the time we reached Wied ir-Raghab, necessitating the use of our headlamps as we navigated a valley shrouded in overgrown vegetation– a less-than-ideal location to set camp. Determined, we pressed forward, eventually discovering a suitable campsite passed 9pm. Despite our exhaustion, the task of pitching tents and preparing meals awaited us. The windy conditions near a cliffside providing an additional challenge.
We hiked a total of 25 km, marking the halfway point in our trail. To reduce the expected muscle soreness the next day, we had to take painkillers prior to retiring for the night.
The second day was my personal highlight of our adventure. Although Karl and I considered ourselves familiar with Gozo, the island unfailingly revealed new spots and perspectives, firing our sense of discovery.
Our path led us toward Wied il-Mielah, where I began to feel the terrible discomfort of blisters on my feet. Through multiple layers of bandages and painkillers, I managed the pain, resolving to concentrate solely on the trail in my unwavering commitment to completing the loop.
We had a short break at the valley before reaching Wied il-Ghasri.
Later on, we stopped at Marsalforn to replenish our supplies and had a relaxing lunch. Karl gallantly took some portion of my load, also supported by Javier, reducing the burden on my blistered feet by 4kg, I carried on the journey with 8kg load.
The journey continued to Ramla Bay, punctuated by steep ascents that yielded breathtaking vistas. Capturing the surrounding beauty, Karl seized the opportunity to fly his drone. Beyond Rambla, the path led to the less exciting Triq Ghajn Qasab, a long uphill road, followed by an even steeper ascent at (36°02'59.6"N 14°17'56.5"E) – an unnamed rural hill road that held its own charm despite my blistered discomfort.
Our onward trek took us to Dahlet Qorrot, where a brief pause afforded a moment of sit down beside the shoreline. We reached the Quarries as the sunset approached; Followed by Hondoq ir-Rummien, igniting our excitement as we neared the final stretch.
Guided by our headlamps, we passed the seemingly unending cliffside, eventually glimpsing the lights of the Gozo ferry terminal.
Around 9:30 pm, we accomplished our feat, just in time for the 21:45 ferry.
Upon returning to Malta, we decided to have a good old Hermanos burger to celebrate. We sat together with a burger each in our hands, savouring the flavours while reflecting upon our awe-inspiring 52km journey, through 40 hours of relentless determination.
We couldn’t believe we’ve made it! It was a clear proof that our minds are very powerful and can do anything, we are the only limit of the things we can accomplished but with the right and positive mindset, everything is possible!
Videos by Karl Fenech
