Levada Velha dos Canhas

Madrei

Ribeira do Caldeirao N 32°44.095 W 17°07.095 ca. 941 m a.s.l.

Course

From the Madre the Levada Velha dos Canhas runs through a patch of woodland and crosses the Ribeira do Curral Velho. Here it also takes part of the stream's water via a side levada. It then goes round a lombo, past a farm, and after a longer open hillside section crosses the Ribeira do Covo Grande. Both stream crossings are quite spectacular, built up with bridges, steps and pipework, but not dangerous to walk.

After that an open course as far as an intermediate tank. A short stretch that cannot be walked follows; the water then pours over a waterfall to a small house. At its base a second waterfall pours onto the track.

Then on, first very steeply down from the concrete track and then in long zigzags through eucalyptus and broom. The levada embankment then becomes rather high and narrow, but a path follows the levada on the hillside.

After that you come close to the Levada Nova. You can leave the levada here to get onto the Nova. At first it continues overgrown; you walk on a track above the levada, then across meadows, through rows of houses, above meadows. This part is not always very comfortable to walk. Finally you cross the ER 209 and, shortly before the large reservoir of the Levada Nova, the levada joins it.

End

Inflow to the Levada Nova ca. 640 m a.s.l.

Function and use

The Levada Velha dos Canhas irrigates the fields above Canhas; the remaining water is led into the Levada Nova.

Access

• There is in theory an access path to the Madre from the road in Sitio do Pinheiro (Pinheiro de Dentro). From the Madre it all looks quite dangerous, especially when wet.

• A branching network of paths leads to the section between the 2 stream crossings

• A path from the Estrada do Barreiro e Feiteiras to the intermediate reservoir

• From the junction with the ER 209 and various roads and paths between the houses

• Access from the end, where it joins the Levada Nova

Year built

I suspect that the construction is connected with the Torre-Relógio da Levada do Poiso, which was built in 1890. This levada would then be a little older still than that tower, which was put up to supervise the irrigation times on the Levada do Poiso.

Historical notes

The Levada Velha dos Canhas lost importance when the Levada Nova was built in 1953, and it was only moderately maintained after that. As the fields above Canhas increased and also needed water, this levada was rebuilt over the last 2 years and is regularly kept in repair.

Remarks

The levada was elaborately rebuilt, especially around the stream crossings, and is well protected. The access towards Sitio do Pinheiro from the Madre is not possible; on our visit no ascent from the Madre to the gravel track could be seen.