24 June 2024 On old cleared tracks to Monte do Trigo

Course

From the familiar car park at Achada do Piquinho, on the Levada da Faja do Rodrigues, we went up for once on an alternative path. The footpath is used more and more by mountain bikers, which does not really do the path any good.

So we also came upon old walls and traces of old threshing floors, where wheat used to be worked (Trigo means 'wheat'). Then a short stretch again on the normal path up, and at the clearly marked spot onto the newly cut path towards Monte do Trigo.

Here you see old holloways, and also the traces of the people who opened the path, who have done splendid work.

Somewhere we let a tempting path lure us into climbing straight up. We then had to get our bearings again briefly, found another way over a rock step, and shortly before the summit plateau were back on Jorge's path.

The summit panorama, with the Pinaculo, is superb: all round, a view over the untouched laurel forest with waterfalls, and up above the wind turbines turn without pause.

The descent is then fairly steep, and you really have to take care not to slip. There are also a few short scrambling sections, and finally you come to the ladder, which helps enormously with the awkward rock step. There used to be a rope with loops fixed here. That worked too, but it was much less comfortable.

After that it is still steep, but distinctly more pleasant, as far as a path junction. If you turn west there, you come onto the Levada do Norte.

From here on the familiar path through the Folhadal and the last tunnel, and then at an easy pace along the Canal do Norte back to the Encumeada pass.

Distance: 17 km, 800 m of ascent, 450 m of descent

Start: 10.05 Achada do Piquinho

End

16.20 Encumeada pass

Condition

It is advisable not to set out on this walk without preparation, or without someone who knows the ground. There are various other paths on which you can get lost!

Sure footing and a head for heights are essential in any case!

Remarks

Glorious country, with views you do not get anywhere else! The ladders that have been installed are really something!