6 July 2022 Beautiful closing loop — possibly my last Madeira walk?

Course

Start on the ER110 at the junction of the Levada do Lombo do Mouro with the Levada da Serra (though it is actually the same levada...)

On the PR17 along the Levada da Serra as far as the waterfalls, a bypass path, and onto the lombo.

From here along the Levada da Serra to the Pinaculo. Here, thanks to geocaching, I discovered the little shelter cave below the Pinaculo!

On along the Levada da Serra, passing under the waterfalls, as far as the Madre.

Down from here to the next trodden path, which took us to the Lagoa do Caramujo and the Casa do Caramujo.

After a short break, on the PR17 to the Levada do Plaino Velho.

On this as far as the descent to Amazonia, but here upwards on the Vereda das Paredes.

Steep at first, then at 5 climbing spots straight up, secured with steel chains. The footholds are good and the climbing spots are moderately difficult if you are somewhat used to it.

At the end we were back on the PR17, then the ascent to Bica da Cana, where we visited 2 beautiful viewing plateaus below the official miradouro.

Finally back to Bica da Cana, where we had parked the second car.

Distance: 16.8 Km, 950 Hm ascent, 950 Hm descent

Start: 10.20 Lombo do Mouro

End

17.20 Bica da Cana

Condition

The Levada da Serra had recently been repaired and improved; entirely straightforward.

The waterfall passages are a little special: you inevitably get wet.

The PR17 is well built; the alternative descent to the Caramujo house calls for sure footing and a sense of direction.

The Levada do Plaino Velho is straightforward.

The Vereda das Paredes calls for a little scrambling experience; better going up than coming down

The two viewing plateaus are beautiful and lonely!

Remarks

A beautiful closing walk of my 2022 stay; warm thanks to Issi and Piet for coming along

We'll see whether Madeira will be possible again with a new knee....