We chose two beautiful but very different valleys for our last hike of 2023 on New Year's Eve - Wied id-Dis and Wied il-Faħam, beneath the village of Għargħur. Wied id-Dis is green and lush while Wied il-Faħam is rocky and rugged. We start at Għargħur's St. Bartholomew Parish Church and head east towards the inner part of Wied id-Dis. We descend into the valley along a makeshift stepped footpath built atop rubble walls that allows access to farmers' fields. From there we head along the valley in the direction of Fort Madliena. We then proceed to San Giovanni Battery overlooking Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and follow the trail inward on the eastern flank of Wied il-Faħam along this section of the Victoria Lines towards the fortified bridge that crosses the valley.
Music: Two movements by Johannes Brahms that reflect the contrasting nature of these two valleys - first Adagio Affetuoso followed by Allegro Passionato, the second and third movements of his Cello Sonata No. 2 in F, Op. 99 performed by Ralph Kirshbaum (cello) and Roger Vignoles (piano).