Levada das Voltas

Madrei

Ribeira da Tabua N 32°41.637 W 17°04.150 ca. 259 m a.s.l., shared with the Levada da Corujeira

There is a feeder levada above the Madre that takes water in higher areas. I do not know, though, where this water comes from, or whether this levada is historically connected with the Levada das Voltas, or with the Levada da Corujeira, or with both. A short stretch out of the Ribeira da Tabua was presumably bypassed here in order to run a water mill.

Course

After the Madre, the road that leads from the ER-222 to Tabua is passed underneath. Above the road, in the terraces, with various side branches turning off,

End

In the terraces above the ER-222, ca 140 m a.s.l.

Function and use

Irrigation of the fields on the west side of the lower Tabua valley

Access

• Along the road that leads from the ER-222 to Tabua, directly after the Madre, or by field paths

• Via these steps on the ER-222

Condition

The levada is not very demanding, but you should bring some experience and the right equipment. The little levada walls are not always entirely trustworthy; towards the Madre there are a few more demanding passages, and for the last metres to the Madre you should have a head for heights and be sure-footed.

Remarks

Despite the opening of the Levada Nova, this levada is still maintained and plays an important part in irrigation, as the countless reservoirs and water holes on the lower course show