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Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes)

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Animal habitat
—°10
Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)

Weather…

Wied il-Qlejgħa, popularly known as Chadwick Lakes, is a significant artificial wetland and dam system located in a fertile valley between Rabat and Mtarfa in central Malta. This hydrological engineering project was designed and built in the 1890s by the British engineer Sir Osbert Chadwick with the objective of capturing rainwater for agricultural use and preventing soil erosion. The series of dams and spillways creates a rare freshwater habitat during the wet winter months, providing a sharp contrast to the islands' typically arid landscape. The area supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the rare endemic Maltese Painted Frog and various aquatic plants that thrive in the temporary water bodies. Chadwick Lakes serves as a vital ecological corridor and a popular recreational spot for residents and tourists, offering unique insights into historical water conservation techniques and the natural biodiversity of the Maltese archipelago. Continuous maintenance is required to preserve this fragile ecosystem and its function in regional environmental sustainability.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Winter (November to February) and early spring (March) are best, as rains fill the dams and create the wetland habitat. In summer the lakes usually dry out, leaving few waterbirds.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning is convenient, as birds become active after the night and the awakening quiet prevails. Late afternoon can also yield good observations before dusk sets in.
📜
Etiquette
Do not step onto the dams or water surfaces - this could disturb nesting birds and is dangerous. Be considerate of other visitors and avoid loud noises.
🎒
What to bring
A good pair of binoculars is essential for watching waterbirds on the lakes from a distance. Waterproof shoes or wellington boots are recommended as the ground can be very muddy after rains.
🧭
Getting there
Chadwick Lakes (Wied il-Qlejgha) are located in northwest Malta, near Rabat. Accessible by car on the road to Mgarr; a small parking area is off the main road.
🦌
What to expect
Waterbirds can be shy - behave quietly and move slowly to avoid startling them. Often it pays to settle in a quiet spot and gradually observe the wildlife.

Geography

Coordinates
35.88500, 14.40800

Facts

  • The dam system was constructed in the 1890s during the British colonial period.
  • The project was led by Sir Osbert Chadwick, a prominent British hydraulic engineer.
  • The lakes are situated within Wied il-Qlejgħa, one of the largest valleys in Malta.
  • The area is a vital breeding ground for the endemic Maltese Painted Frog.
  • The water reservoirs are primarily filled during the rainy season from November to March.
  • The system was originally designed to provide irrigation and protect against soil erosion.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vilhena PalaceVilhena Palace<1 km · WExplore →
Ta' Qali Crafts VillageTa' Qali Crafts Village1 km · NEExplore →
Mtaħleb ValleyMtaħleb Valley2 km · SWExplore →
Meridiana Wine EstateMeridiana Wine Estate3 km · EExplore →
Buskett GardensBuskett Gardens3 km · SExplore →
Victoria Lines FaultVictoria Lines Fault3 km · NExplore →
Mosta DomeMosta Dome3 km · NEExplore →
Żebbuġ, MaltaŻebbuġ, Malta3 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (10)

Mużew tal-Katidral tal-Mdina🏛 museum

Museum in the Bishop's Palace in Mdina, displaying religious art and silverware.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:30-17:00💶

National Museum of Natural History🏛 museum

Natural history museum in the former Governor's Palace in Mdina, with minerals and fossils.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00; Dec 24-25 off; Dec 31-Jan 01 off; Good Fr♿💶

St. Paul's Cathedral

Baroque cathedral in Mdina, dedicated to Saint Paul, with paintings by Mattia Preti.

♿

The Mdina Dungeons Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Mdina featuring torture instruments and scenes from Maltese criminal history.

Mdina Gate

Main gate of the fortified city of Mdina, built in 1724 in Baroque style.

♿

Church of Saint Agatha

Church in Mdina dedicated to Saint Agatha, with a nave from the 17th century.

Mdina Gate ,,View of the view"

Viewpoint at the city gate of Mdina, overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Mdina

Fortified city on a hill in Malta, former capital, with narrow streets.

Knisja ta' Santu Rokku

Church building in Mdina, dedicated to Saint Roch.

Palazzo Santa Sofia

Palace in Mdina, built in the 13th century, one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do Chadwick Lakes have the most water?
It is best to visit after heavy rainfall in winter and early spring.
Are Chadwick Lakes natural lakes?
No, it is a system of man-made dams built in the 19th century.
Can you go hiking there?
Yes, there are footpaths along the valley that are very popular with locals.
Where do the lakes start?
They stretch between Mtarfa and Rabat in the west of Malta.
Are there toilets on site?
No, there are no public toilets or facilities directly at the lakes.
Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes): where is it located?
Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) is located in Malta.
Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes): what is there to see?
Highlights include Mużew tal-Katidral tal-Mdina, National Museum of Natural History, St. Paul's Cathedral.
Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes): why is it worth visiting?
Wied il-Qlejgħa, popularly known as Chadwick Lakes, is a significant artificial wetland and dam system located in a fertile valley between Rabat and Mtarfa in central Malta.
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Nature

Chadwick Lakes (Freshwater) — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Chadwick Lakes (Freshwater)
A man-made system of dams that forms a freshwater habitat during the rainy season.
Il-Qlajja Hill — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Il-Qlajja Hill
A prominent hilltop near Mdina.
🗺️
Mtaħleb Valley
A fertile valley that slopes down to the sea, home to one of Malta's few streams.
Victoria Lines Fault — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
Ta&#39; Randu Hill — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Ta' Randu Hill
A hill near Siġġiewi that dominates the landscape in the southwest of Malta.
Ta&#39; Ċinċ Hill — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.
Bahrija Plateau — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Bahrija Plateau
A rural plateau with beautiful views and walking trails.
Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Bacchus Winery — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Bacchus Winery
A restaurant and venue in Mdina with a historic wine cellar.
Trackless Train Rabat-Mdina — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Trackless Train Rabat-Mdina
A tourist train ride offering a tour of Rabat, Mtarfa and the outskirts of Mdina.
The Vegetable Patch — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
The Vegetable Patch
A farm specializing in the cultivation of a variety of vegetables.
Meridiana Wine Estate — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Meridiana Wine Estate
A modern winery in Ta' Qali known for its quality wines made from international grape varieties.
Buskett Gardens — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Buskett Gardens
One of Malta's few woodland areas, home to many bird species and insects.
Buskett Gardens (Woodland) — Wied il-Qlejgha (Chadwick Lakes) (Malta)
Buskett Gardens (Woodland)
One of Malta's few woodland areas, originally planted as a hunting ground by the Knights.