20.06.2022 Klassiker um Paul do Mar

Course

Descent past the Hotel Jardim Atlantico on the CR23 or PR19 to Paul do Mar.

Along the seafront promenade to the north-west and ascent on the Vereda dos Zimbreiros (here too on the old CR23) to the Miradouro dos Zimbreiros.

On to the Capela de Sao Lourenco in Faja da Ovelha.

On along the Estrada Faja da Ovelha and on the pleasant connecting path towards Raposeira.

Ascent on a connecting path that looked promising at first. At the end it turned out to be overgrown. Even so we came out on the Caminho 2.a Lombada dos Cedros and continued on it to the Levada Nova.

On this to Raposeira, and leaving out a further large loop by a shortcut over the bridge to Maloeira. On along the Levada Nova. Then on, alternating between the levada and the road, to Prazeres, and there back to the car.

Distance: 16.7 Km, 700 m of ascent, 700 m of descent

Start: 10.05 Prazeres

End

15.40 Prazeres

Condition

The descent to Paul do Mar was perfect: steep, but well maintained.

The Vereda dos Zimbreiros is good to walk, although here too the consequences of rockfall could do with repair once again.

From the miradouro up to the Precipio the rampant vegetation caught us a little by surprise; we have walked this path more comfortably before.

The ascent to the Capela de Sao Lourenco, and the traverse to Raposeira, are no problem. The only awkward part was our path to the Levada Nova, which had started so hopefully and was quite overgrown in places.

The Levada Nova was well maintained as usual, but after a while it does get a little dull.

Remarks

A relatively long scenic walk, which can be shortened or lengthened a little with shortcuts on the Levada Nova.