11 June 2024 Levada do Paul — under the wind turbines

Course

The side of the serra sheltered from the wind was so tempting in the sun that we changed our original plan and joined the Levada do Paul at Cova Grande. We then stayed clear of the fog for almost the whole day, in perfect conditions, with plenty of sun lighting up the sea of gorse; only at Stonehenge did the clouds catch up with us.

From Cova Grande we followed the newly opened CR28 and, further down at the levada junction, walked the Levada do Paul as far as the old Madre.

The new Madre forms a waterfall; from here to the old Madre the levada is neglected and silted up.

The climb to the PR27 is a bit run down; some of the steps and the railings have broken away, but it is not dangerous here and the path is clear. Then on the PR27 to Stonehenge (Faja Redonda) and, from there, because the road to Pedras carries little traffic, along the road to Bica da Cana.

From here on the surprisingly pleasant track to the new wind turbines, and on to the starting point.

Distance: 15.5 km, 320 m of ascent, 320 m of descent

Start: 10.05 Cova Grande

End

15.30 Cova Grande

Condition

The levada sections are all straightforward and well protected.

The section from the new Madre to the old one, and the climb from the old Madre to the PR27, are a little neglected, but for now still quite manageable, even in fog!

The track from Bica da Cana to Cova Grande under the new wind turbines is surprisingly relaxed!

Remarks

With a north-easterly wind and low cloud, it is usually sunny and still here!