24 July 2015 Balcoes Levada do Juncal Levada Nova do Juncal

Course

Ribeiro Frio, Balcoes, on the Levada do Juncal to the Madre, a short visit to the gallery tunnels of the ruined Levada dos Accionistas, climb via the Ribeira do Juncal and one of its side branches to the Madre of the Levada Nova do Juncal, on the Levada Nova do Juncal to the Ribeira do Juncal, through the long tunnel to the Ribeira das Lajes, search for the old Madre of the Levada dos Accionistas, tunnel under the Pico da Nogueira, faint path from the northern tunnel exit to the reservoir and the start of the penstocks to the Faja da Nogueira power station, a sensational viewpoint, descent to Faja da Nogueira, on the footpath to the Faja da Nogueira power station, a detour through the tunnel of the Levada dos Tornos into the valley of the Ribeira Seca, back to the Faja da Nogueira power station, on the gravel track as far as the start of the climb to the Levada do Juncal, back to Ribeiro Frio

Distance: 23.1 Km, 610 Hm ascent, 610 Hm descent

Start: 09.40 Ribeiro Frio

End

18.30 Ribeiro Frio

Condition

A very demanding walk with extremely exposed sections, suitable only for walkers with very sure footing and a head for heights; particular cruxes are two landslides that keep becoming active and in places have no protection. A sense of direction is essential (climb to the Levada Nova do Juncal), the climb from the gravel track of the Faja da Nogueira power station to the Levada do Juncal is arduous (slippery, many fallen trees)

Notes

One of the classic mad levada walks (alongside the Levada do Norte in the Serra de Agua area and the Levada do Curral e Castelejo). Given those conditions, a real delight!