26 June 2016 Curral circuit

Course

Ascent from Faja Escura to Boca do Cerro (Relvinhas), along the ridge to Boca da Corrida, descent on the road to Corrida, a short visit to the Levada da Rouca, on an unnamed levada as far as its end and descent to the gravel track to Boca dos Namorados, from there descent to Curral de Baixo (Lombo Chao). On the road to the bridge in the valley floor, ascent on a stepped path crossing the remains of the Levada do Curral e Castelejo, from Curral das Freiras on the road towards Faja Escura, a shortcut on a linking path across the stream, back to Faja Escura. On the way back, a detour to the reservoir below Faja Escura, with the entrance of the Tunel da Faja Escura towards Terra Cha. Also on the way back, a drive to the junction of the Tunel do Pico Grande and the Tunel da Faja Escura with the supply tunnel to the forebay of the Socorridos power station above Terra Cha.

Distance: 19.4 km, 1200 m of ascent, 1200 m of descent

Start: 09.25 Faja Escura

End

15.30 Faja Escura

Condition

Ascent steep, but on a good path, then a wide path to Boca da Corrida; the small levada at Corrida is narrow but easy; the descent to the track is a little rough

Track to Boca dos Namorados dusty and barren

Descent from the Boca to Curral steep and endless; the road in Curral has shortcuts; ascent to Curral das Freiras on a steep stepped path, then road and linking path again with no problems

Notes

A fine circuit with changing views. The stretch from Curral de Baixo to Curral, and on to Faja Escura, can be shortened by bus.