19 June 2022 Three short walks in Calheta

Course

A walk in three parts, with short drives between them:

First a start on the Lombo da Estrela, a visit to the relatively well preserved Moinho da Laje, on along the short open stretch of the Levada da Fonte Grande until it goes into pipes, then on the former levada bed across fields and finally on a wide path to the Madre in the Ribeira do Raposo.

Back the same way to the Lombo da Estrela, and looking for the onward course of the Levada da Fonte Grande past the Moinho do Ribeiro. Along the first large side levada eastwards to the Lombo das Laranjeiras.

Back again to the main branch along the Estrada Doutor Roberto Monteiro, and a little further south onto the next western side branch of the Levada da Fonte Grande on the Lombo da Estrela. Along the lombo, following the side branch of the Levada da Fonte Grande, back to the starting point.

A short transfer by car to the ER222 and the main square of Calheta.

A short circuit on the CR23 through the valley of the Ribeira de Sao Bartolomeu and back via the Fonte dos Reis to the starting point.

A short transfer by car to the fire station building in Calheta.

On the Levada de Sao Joao to the Madre in the Ribeira da Calheta.

Then as far as the end at the Caminho do Lombo do Doutor, and back to the starting point.

Distance: 12.1 Km, 530 m of ascent, 530 m of descent

Start: 11.10 Calheta

End

15.40 Calheta

Condition

The Levada da Fonte Grande is a bit boggy at the beginning, then with a little feel for it you go across the meadows; sometimes you have to change terraces. But overall it is no problem.

The circuit through the Ribeira de Sao Bartolomeu and via the Fonte dos Reis is easy.

The Levada de Sao Joao is easy to walk; you simply have to find the right way onto it at the Caminho do Lombo do Doutor.

Remarks

Levada discoveries close to, or right in the middle of, the built-up area.