08.06.2024 Auf den Spuren der Trailrunner in Porto Moniz

Course

The aim of the round was to explore the newly opened trail-running training route around Porto Moniz, which runs on a few newly cleared paths that until now were not walkable or were unknown.

The start was at the Miradouro dos Pombais. We followed the twin levadas Levada dos Pombais inf. and Levada dos Pombais sup. until they separate. The Levada dos Pombais inf. flows on down the valley towards the Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira. The Levada dos Pombais sup. passes under the Caminho dos Pombais and then runs a little below this path towards the east.

We stay on the levada to the end, then on northwards on the Caminho da Volta do Carro, until the well-signposted trail turns off onto an inconspicuous field path.

This link to the Miradouro da Faja Nunes (or, according to Google Maps, 'Miradouro do Pico da Assumada') had been newly cleared, and the somewhat exposed rock passage secured with a rope.

From here along the road and a little downhill, until we came to another information board that sent us uphill again on a narrow field path to the Miradouro do Pico.

From here pleasantly down the CR23 (or here the Vereda do Pico) towards Porto Moniz. A small detour along the pretty Levada das Fontes to the old disused butter factory (Antiga Fábrica de Manteiga) and to the impressive mill, on through Porto Moniz, always following the arrows and signs, until it goes up again towards the Vigia da Baleia and then to the Caminho da Ladeira. On this, on upwards to another arrow, which led us over an inconspicuous levada to the Miradouro da Santinha.

From here a stretch along the road, then over field paths, and finally to the lower course of the Levada do Moinho.

From here along the PR7 until the Levada do Moinho meets the Levada do Brasileiro. We followed the two levadas, running parallel here, as far as the turning of the end branch of the Levada do Moinho, which below Porta da Vila feeds the countless reservoirs in a maze of channels and tunnels you can hardly take in. This important end branch continues as far as Pombais and provides the irrigation for the upper parts of the village.

On the way back to the Miradouro dos Pombais I was able to solve another puzzle: I found the access to the tunnel that supplies the Madre of the Levada dos Pombais sup. with water. Branch of the road levada along the Caminho Fajã dos Bois.

Distance: 15.7 Km, 780 Hm ascent, 780 Hm descent

Start: 09.50 Miradouro dos Pombais

End

17.10 Miradouro dos Pombais

Condition

The levada sections are all straightforward and well secured

The passage to the Miradouro da Faja Nuñez is exposed and a little slippery, but secured with a rope on the rock face.

The ascent to the Miradouro do Pico is narrow, but good to walk.

The ascents by steps and the Caminho da Ladeira are quite steep.

The small levada below the Miradouro da Santinha and the further field paths are straightforward; compared with the trail we chose a slightly different line, less road and more levada!

Remarks

A fine combination of levadas and field paths, with many excellent viewpoints.