11 August 2015 Levada do Plaino Velho and descent to the Levada da Faja do Rodrigues

Course

On the MIUT path until shortly before the Levada do Norte, PR-17 to the Levada do Plaino Velho, on this through 8 tunnels to the descent to the Levada do Norte and to the Levada da Faja do Rodrigues, and on this back to the starting point

Distance: 16.4 Km, 684 Hm ascent, 684 Hm descent

Start: 09.20 Achada do Loural

End

16.20 Achada do Loural

Condition

Ascent in good condition; PR-17 and the Levada do Plaino Velho well maintained; descent very steep and rough, slippery, one exposed spot; see also the walk of 09.08.2015.

Remarks

A physically demanding walk; the descent is very hard work. At least we could pass without trouble, from above, the spot where we had turned back from below 2 days earlier (this simply would not leave me in peace). There, 20 metres with cut marks on the trees and a trace of a path are missing.

On the Levada da Faja do Rodrigues I also looked at the start of the descent to the Levada do Lanço.

The Levada do Plaino Velho has definitely become my great love. After the walks of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 I am always glad to come back here. Good weather conditions (no trade-wind setup) are rare, though, and all the more impressive for that.