Chadwick Lakes

The region known as ‘Chadwick Lakes’ in Malta takes its name from Mr. Osbert Chadwick, the British engineer who built the water-management dam in this area in 1890.

Chadwick Lakes, or Wied il-Qlejgħa, in Maltese, are artificial freshwater lakes between Rabat and Mtarfa on the Western part of Malta. A dam was built here to allow fresh water to gather after winter rain. Water collected here drains into Speranza Valley, on to Salina Bay, and then into the sea.

Apart from serving farmers in the area who irrigate their fields with it, collected rainwater serves as a habitat for different flora and fauna.

Although Chadwick Lakes are essentially a reservoir; water still gurgles downwards towards the valley in Mosta, giving an impression that it is actually a lake with streams, especially after heavy rains in Winter.

A popular countryside-walking trek to be considered in the area is one which departs from Rabat and ends in Mosta with Chadwick Lakes being the central part of the walk. The curved walking path is about eight kilometres long and is especially beautiful when the Willow and Water Cress are in full bloom. Tadpoles and lake fish are very common in Chadwick Lakes and will surely be spotted by visitors to the area.

Several rambling and walking societies in Malta organise regular walks in this area. These walks are generally led by an experienced guide who will point out specific geology in the area, locations of historical interest and unusual aromatic herbs and plants.

When visiting Chadwick Lakes it is very common to see families picnicking here or groups of friends organising some outdoor activities. Weekends are particularly busy with the Spring and Winter seasons being particularly popular as the weather is more suitable and the lakes increasingly active. The best time to visit these lakes are sunny days of Winter and Spring as the streams tend to dry out during the hot summer season.

Unfortunately, route buses do not pass close to Chadwick lakes, so they are best visited by those who have rented a car.