Alferce Loop walk 26.02.25
This walk
was adapted from a previous walk that we led last year. However, instead of
descending into the valley and attempting 2 river crossings we decided to do a
higher loop walk from Alferce towards Picota via the boardwalk and bridge which
opened 2 years ago.
19 brave walkers met at the snack bar Petisqueira in Alferce where the walk began, with a coffee!
Following this, we went through the village of Alferce , passing the murals.....
and heading towards the Passadicos Barranco do Demo ( meaning Devil’s gorge), where we used the boardwalk and suspension bridge to traverse the canyon.
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Even though we adhered to the recommended maximum of 5 on the bridge it swayed back and forth. Well done to everyone for overcoming this challenge as this can be a bit disconcerting. ( You can say that again! Ed)
The
wooden pathway continued around 800m providing us with an opportunity to enjoy
the beauty of the surrounding area. Luckily the weather was fantastic with a
bright blue sky and sunshine.....and so to a belated starter photo...
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From left Bruce, Tony, Steve, Geoff, Kieran, Steve, Mike, Karen, Nic, Sue , Fiona, Maggie, Julie, Susan, Peter, Jane, Karen, John. In front Linda and her dog Toby.
We then proceeded along the PR 10 on an off-road trail. We omitted the steep climb to Alferce castle. Eventually we crossed the road leading back to Alferce where we encountered our first set of barking dogs and (non barking) chickens. Our only canine companion Toby was well behaved and stayed with his mistress.
We continued along a narrow pathway until we reached the intersection of 4 paths. We took the path to our left and proceeded on the VA13.
We carefully passed the farm where dogs had attacked Toby on a previous occasion. Luckily even though we heard barking in the distance there was no reoccurrence of that dreadful attack. The path became narrow and was covered with greenery and beautiful flowers courtesy of the recent rain.
We then began our ascent towards Monchique
and Picota. We passed a house where the owner rescues abandoned dogs. We had
spoken to her during our recce and she had agreed to keep the dogs in during
our walk.
Lunch was
held at the high point of the walk. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the views
especially when informed that the remainder of the walk was mainly downhill. We
were pleased with the pace of the walk as we arrived 10 minutes earlier than we
had predicted.
After lunch
we retraced our steps until we met up with our downward path. We chatted and
enjoyed the splendour of the day until the first mishap. I had a déjà vu
moment when I fell because my laces got
caught in my boot. Luckily no serious damage was done. Sue used her whistle to
alert the group of walkers in front.
Later there
was some confusion at one of the many intersecting paths. Having consulted the
map we found the correct path. I remembered nearly falling during the recce.
John warned the group that it was slippery and down went Geoff. Again,
thankfully there was no need for first aid or a mountain rescue just a slightly
bruised ego. Eventually we reached the area where we had accessed the VA
earlier on the walk. At this point we followed the signpost towards Alferce. ( Susan is too kind.....having slipped once, I then did it again a few minutes later......this is becoming a habit on S & J walks, last time I was up here with them I managed to fall down part of the hillside ! Ed)
We spotted a hybrid tree...
Eventually we reached the village and returned to the café for drinks. Many thanks to Julie for organising the post walk refreshments. Welcome to Karen, Mike and Nic the Canadian contingent. It was lovely to meet Maggie Braddock a previous AWW who had opted to walk with us during her short stay in the Algarve. Bob her patient husband awaited our return in the local café.....the noisiest in the Algarve!
Walk
stats:
Distance:
14.5 km
Elevation
gain 600m
Walking
time 4.5 hours
Map of walk
The below map was recorded during our recce
Thanks to
everyone for walking. We really enjoyed your company
Susan and
John
