1 August 2013 Levadas do Norte, do Seixal and da Rocha Vermelha

Course

From the small car park on the ER-209 northwards along the gravel track, then west to the start of the path, descent to the Levada do Norte, in the direction of flow past the levada house to the gorge, back against the direction of flow through 3 tunnels to the Madre, back to the levada house, descent to the Levada do Seixal, against the direction of flow to the Madre, in the direction of flow through 2 tunnels along the waterfall of the Ribera da Hortela to the end at the junction with the Levada da Rocha Vermelha, along that against the direction of flow to the old Madre, climb to the PR-13, along the PR13 and the ER 209 back to the car

Start 09.15 ER-209

End

18.45 ER-209

Condition

Descent to the Levada do Norte in good condition, likewise the path along the levada; towards the Madre somewhat slippery and in places exposed without protection; towards the gorge exposed with protection; descent to the Levada do Seixal in places a little dangerous; stream crossing with rope protection; Levada do Seixal very wet and with many showers of water; before the first tunnel (Hortela waterfall) very exposed and slippery with protection that is damaged in places; after that straightforward, but with a long tunnel to the Levada da Rocha Vermelha; from here one somewhat exposed spot; the current Madre can be bypassed in the stream bed (cross); after that, before the old Madre, do not miss the turn on the right for the steep climb through the thicket; a bit strenuous, but not dangerous; 2 climbing spots

Notes

Very lonely, very wild area; a few walkers at the start on the Rocha Vermelha, later deserted as well