22 July 2013 Levadas do Norte and Plaino Velho

Course

From the Encumeada pass along the new PR 21 to the point where the ER-228 is crossed. Then about 20 minutes further on the PR-21, then the first wide gravel track on the left; follow it to the ER-228, follow that for about 5 minutes to the junction of the Caminho do Quebra Panelas, descent to Cova da Ribeira, keep left to the road (VE 4), follow it for about 100 m, then over the bridge on the left, ascent on a small road to the Levada da Faja do Rodrigues, about 20 m to the right, then over a small bridge and ascent on a small path (about 50 min.) to the PR-17. Follow it north-west and ascend by a stepped path to the Amazonia viewpoint and the Levada do Plaino Velho, along it to the gravel track, a short detour towards where the Plaino Velho continues, descent on the gravel track to the Levada do Norte, follow it downstream via Folhadal and the Canal do Norte to the Encumeada pass

Distance: 19 Km 850 m of ascent

Start: 08.45 Encumeada pass

End

16.30 Encumeada pass

Condition

Path in good condition throughout (along the markers of the MIUT 13); the ascent to the Levada do Plaino Velho is very sweaty; the Levada do Norte is somewhat exposed in places

Remarks

Hardly any walkers out; towards midday fog usually rolls in