Curt Ruts - A wonderful phenomenon unique in the world

There has been substantial debate about the extensive cart rut systems found in Malta and to a lesser extent in Gozo. Their ancient provenance is confirmed by the fact that modern development eschews their existence completely and they also invariably occur in pairs confirming the fact that they must have had some use in the transport sector. Studies on the ruts have also deduced that the vehicles used to create

these ruts are a combination of sledges, slide cars and carts. Interestingly several experiments to reconstruct such vehicles to make use of the ruts have all failed as these ruts do not lead to any particular destination, deepening their intrinsic mystery.

The ruts are quite vividly present in the northwestern parts of the island but nowhere are they more spectacular than in the aptly titled Clapham Junction located in the limits of Rabat. This area is easily reachable by following the signs to Buskett until you come to a sign stating ‘Clapham Junction/Laferla Cross/Girgenti and the ruts kind of appear in the distance in all their spectacular complexity.

This is by far the most extensive system on the islands and although it is rather difficult to calculate the exact number, at least 30 can be observed emerging from the fields on the Buskett side. The ruts then climb the slope, forking frequently although here they are partly covered by an isolated field. They continue on the south side but come to an abrupt end when they encounter quarries both ancient and modern.

Another pair of ruts follows the crest of the ridge until on the west side it encounters Ghar il-Kbir, another settlement which is also definitely worth visiting. Some Punic tombs in the vicinity also indicate that the ruts are actually substantially older than the tombs. The site also offers great opportunities for photography if one is so inclined.

The area comprising the environs of Rabat, Mgarr and Dingli is also extremely rich in cart ruts where one may find some superb examples on the Bingemma Ridge, Nadur, Bahrija, Wied Rini, Tal-Mehla and in the quaint little hamlet of Mtahleb. Some fine ruts may also be found in Mtarfa as well as behind the Domus Romana. Considered unique in Europe as well as in almost all the world, cart ruts are an essential visit if you really want to experience what this ancient island has to offer.