AWW Wednesday 4th October 2023 – Around the Tor countryside and Ribeira de Algibre

On yet another beautiful morning we met just off the main Loule to Salir road near to the Tor Winery. With some people still away and some nervous of the continuing hot temperatures a hardy six arrived at the start with our two canine companions:

From the left (top photo) David, Miriam, Alan, Peter and Ken with the award winning Bica in front. Rafa was simply not bothered.

We set off promptly at 10am and within a kilometer or two started the first and most significant hill on an otherwise relatively easy and flat hike.

Even at this early stage it was getting quite warm and our doggie friends fell into a pattern of shade hopping - moving ahead to the next shaded spot and waiting there for us to pass before jumping ahead again.

After the long hot summer it was good to meet and chat with old friends.

Along the way we saw some interesting rock formations, graffiti and of course wonderful countryside.

Our lunch stop was at the football pitch just outside Tor where a few well shaded benches were well placed.

After lunch we returned to the main road via a nice shaded path where David demonstrated his tree hugging credentials.

Reaching the main road we decided democratically to slightly shorten the route via a short 200m to the Cafe Varieza where some cold beers and refreshments were enjoyed. A couple of extra hundred meters brought us up the hill and back to our awaiting cars.

Total hike was approx. 13km

Many thanks for everyone's company and special thanks to Alan for his photos.

Martin