4 July 2018 Circular walk along and around the Levada dos Marinheiros

Course

Start in Lourenco. Climb on gravel tracks along a piped terminal branch to the large reservoir on the Levada dos Marinheiros. On the levada, follow the piped part first, then the crossing of the Ribeirinho da Roseira; from here the channel is open.

Cross a gravel track and continue through fern, broom and finally tree-heather woodland to the Madre. On the way back, after about 100 metres on a gravel track, turn southeast into the maze of gravel roads. Climb on that to the ER-210 and follow it a short way to the other side of the Ribeira dos Marinheiros, then descend on gravel roads to the Lombo dos Marinheiros and on to Lombada dos Marinheiros.

Descend further to the Levada Nova and follow it against the flow back to the start.

Distance: 19.7 km, 700 m of ascent, 700 m of descent

Start: 11.00 Sao Lourenco

End

19.00 Sao Lourenco

Condition

The levada is in good condition and was cleared of broom not all that long ago. The maze of gravel tracks is best done with a GPS; otherwise you are guaranteed to get lost.

Remarks

After our 2016 walk further west (Levada da Serra de Ponta da Serra) I was looking forward to a similar walk. Glorious with the broom in bloom.