11 July 2018 From the Fanal road via Relvinha to the Levada do Seixal and ascent via the Levada do Norte to Paul da Serra

Course

Descent via Relvinha to the Levada do Seixal. Against the flow through the Hortela tunnel to the waterfall of the Ribeira da Hortela, an exposed course high above the Ribeira da Hortela to the crossing of the Ribeira do Folhado, on to the Madre at the Ribeira do Vimieiro, ascent on the Lombo das Barbinhas to the Levada do Norte, to its Madre and back. Further ascent onto Paul da Serra and back to the Fanal road (entry with a gate).

Distance: 14.3 km, 710 m of ascent, 610 m of descent

Start: 10.00 Fanal road

End

17.20 Fanal road, Paul da Serra

Condition

The descent via Relvinha is not entirely easy to find in the thicket; after that a good path, in good condition, until just before the Levada do Seixal. The last exposed traverse is partly broken away, relatively dangerous!

The Levada do Seixal is wet as usual, very exposed at the Hortela waterfall but well secured. The stream crossing at the landslide is completely changed, an exposed stream crossing through the waterfall; after that damp as usual, but good to walk. Madre flooded.

The ascent on the Lombo das Barbinhas is good to walk; the stream crossing through a small gorge is no problem.

The Levada do Norte to the Madre and back is no problem, somewhat exposed as always. Access to the Madre is damp and slippery as always, and should be walked with care.

The further ascent on the Lombo das Barbinhas is comfortable and straightforward as always.

Remarks

The Relvinha descent should only be walked with a head for heights and sure footing. It is also unclear how the crux will change further; before long it may not be possible to get through here. I suspect this descent was built especially for the workers on the Levada do Seixal who secured the landslide site after the Hortela tunnel with concrete.