13 August 2017 The great tunnel-rat diploma: From the Madre of the Levada do Norte to the gravel track from Ginjas to Estanquinhos

Course

From Estanquinhos to the Fontes Ruivas, crossing of the Levadinha da Serra, on the gravel track to the western end of the Paul da Serra, descent over the Lombo das Barbinhas to the Levada do Norte, against its direction of flow through 3 tunnels to the Madre, there the Geocache 'Madre do Norte', back through the 3 tunnels and on past the levada house to the great gorge and the crossing of the Ribeira do Agua do Vento, the levada water tunnel, the inflowing levada at the bridge, and the bridge over the stream enjoyed, Terra Cha tunnel, a short open stretch, a view into the valley of the Ribeira de Joao Delgado, Montado dos Pessegueiros tunnel, then into the valley of the Ribeira do Inferno with a fine view into the depths, the crossing of the western arm of the western main branch of the Ribeira do Inferno with a guaranteed soaking and the Geocache 'Aventura na Folhadal - Natureza', the crossing of the eastern arm of the western main branch of the Ribeira do Inferno and the Geocache 'Aventura na Folhadal - Quedas D'agua'. A truly breathtaking scene!

Then through the long tunnel to the crossing of the eastern main branch of the Ribeira do Inferno. I had already found this cache (Geocache 'Aventura na Folhadal - Tuneis') in 2015; here in 2015 I climbed up to the Levada do Plaino Velho (walk 2015). Here too you can only marvel at the forces of nature!

The next long tunnel under the Espigao ridge to the crossing of the western main branch of the Ribeira do Passo. Here you could climb up to the Vereda Pau Branco (walk 2017 and walk 2015).

On along the open levada and through a middle-length tunnel to the crossing of the eastern main branch of the Ribeira do Passo. Here you see the bolts and protection of the canyoning enthusiasts. A long tunnel follows to the crossing of the western main branch of the Ribeira dos Pombos, followed by a shorter tunnel to the crossing of the eastern main branch of the Ribeira dos Pombos. After a little air, the middle tunnel and the short S-shaped tunnel to a fine viewpoint over Sao Vicente (Geocache 'Aventura na Folhadal - Vistas'). A few more relaxed metres, then you pass under the western levada house to the gravel track from Ginjas to Estanquinhos.

On this, ascent to the crossing with the Levada do Plaino Velho, a short visit to the Geocache 'Ribeirinho do Plaino Velho', then back onto the PR17 and on it to the Casa do Caramujo. There is a cache here too, as on the way there. On onto the gravel track and, on that, the last sweaty climb up to Estanquinhos, with fine views towards Topo das Queimadas and the whole mountain chain behind.

Distance: 24.6 Km, 650 m of ascent, 650 m of descent

Start: 09.40 Estanquinhos forestry house

End

17.50 Estanquinhos forestry house

Condition

The path over the Lombo das Barbinhas is, as usual, in excellent condition.

The Levada do Norte has its dangerous places, especially the last metres before the Madre and the great gorge crossing. The crossing of the western arm of the western main branch of the Ribeira do Inferno is possibly a little delicate. You must not try to dodge the water, or it becomes dangerous. Otherwise it is actually straightforward

The tunnels are mostly good to walk. The tightest are the middle tunnel to the Madre and the Terra Cha tunnel.

Notes

A long-held dream came true. It is truly dreamlike and impressive. The Norte is definitely my favourite!