9 August 2021 A varied circuit over the Boca das Voltas

Course

Descent on the CR23 to the bridge and then right on the road and small veredas as far as the turn-off of the Vereda da Portada; on this, over the Corgo da Nogueiras, to the Solar da Silveira, this impressive ruin below the ER211.

On the Caminho da Siqueada to the ER211 and, on a small trodden path with a short wrong turning to a small hut, up to the Levada das Faias.

On this, over 3 level crossings, which fascinate again and again but unfortunately look a bit the worse for wear after the last storms, as far as the turn-off of a path that took us up to the start of the fine climb to the Boca das Voltas.

On this, pleasant, as far as the Boca das Voltas, where we enjoyed the beautiful views.

A short climb to the fire-watch tower and then the descent on a narrow trodden path, a welcome alternative to the dreadful tracks that lead up to the Boca das Voltas. Here we met a variety of trees we otherwise rarely saw on Madeira, for example beeches.

Above Ribeira Funda we first tried the CR23, but a kind resident said it was still not walkable after the landslide.

So a short detour along the road via the Miradouro Beira da Quinta, with the fine view of Arco de Sao Jorge.

Descent over what felt like 1000 steps and over small paths and levadas to Arco de Sao Jorge, as far as the Arco Bar, where we fortified ourselves a little for the last section.

And at the end a fitting close over the Entrosa, with its spectacular views and a small detour via the ruins of the old sugar-cane factory, back to the start.

Distance: 20.1 km, 950 m of ascent, 950 m of descent

Start: 08.50 Sao Cristovao

End

16.55 Sao Cristovao

Condition

The climb needs a little preparation, so that you catch all the small paths.

The Levada das Faias is actually no problem to walk, but it is narrow in places and the level crossings are full of driftwood and rubble.

The climb is, as always, very pleasant and, in the middle of the laurel forest, very idyllic. The Boca das Voltas, when it is as free of mist as today, is impressive every time.

The narrow descent path has to be looked for; once you are on it, the line is always clear, slippery in places because mountain bikes are on it at times too.

When the CR23 will finally be accessible again is unclear; you do then miss the fine viewpoint, though.

The descent is endless, but on the route we chose very varied.

The Entrosa, apart from a few railings torn away, is no problem to walk.

Remarks

A relatively long walk, but one that scores with the variety of views