A Taste of the Algarve or Legs akimbo in Arimbo

 

A Taste of the Algarve or Legs akimbo in Arimbo

Twelve happy wanderers or tasters set off from the cafe in Alportel. Clever people who can count may find that there are more than 12, including Tony the cameraman, as our friend Jim came to see us off from the cafe.  Nice one Jim!

Martin with Rafa, Jim, Julie, Roger, John with Ziggy, Linda with Toby, Ian, Richard, Frank, Claire, David and Peter.  Tony taking the photograph.

The merry bunch set off in bright sunshine, ho,ho,ho, no,no,no we didn’t.  It was chilly, overcast and the most enthusiastic walkers were those who had come in their own fur coats.  Onward and upwards for the first slightly off-piste hill, a change from the recce which went up the N2 but we always prefer to go up a back passage when we can.  A warm up tasting but not yet warmed up enough to remove any clothing. A little taste of tarmac at the top but not too much.

Off the tarmac and on down into Fonte Ferrea

Fonte Ferrea with those aromas of the Algarve; eucalyptus, cistus and oak.  It looks like Frank managed to escape being attacked by a tree. 

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The first water crossing, easy peasy over the stones and no wet feet. Some wet paws though.

Don't we look professional.

Up out of Fonte ferrea. A more challenging incline for those tasters who appreciate a stronger flavour. Yes it was that steep!!

Great views though.

Along the ridge on the Trilho da Ribeira de Alportel marked trail.

.Christmas dinner in the making Baa humbug.  It does look a bit like Yorkshire but without the rain.

A hint of honey in the mix. Everyone was beeing very quiet as we passed the hives. 

Again, an easy stroll over blocks to cross the river.

 It was déjà vu all over again for some walkers as we strolled along the valley of the Alportel and gently climbed up onto the Algarviana link route.

The sky beginning to blue.

Finally a water stop rather than a crossing. Time to remove some clothes as the sun came out.  

Another sharp incline off the main track and over to Arimbo.

Still great views!

Lunch stop.

A much more fun water crossing with no stones and still no wet feet - yay.  I forgot to count how many water crossings on the trail but there were several.

Nice and gentle up and out of Arimbo.  Frank told us that he had heard that the land in the village had been offered at a cheap price so that Angolans who returned to Portugal could settle there.  I had wondered why there were few houses but lots of very well kept mobile homes. Nice to see a big cock out in a garden but the photographer didn't capture it for posterity.

The last major climb out of the valley ......

....and back on the marked trail.

Views over to Cova da Muda, where we'd come from two hours earlier.

 

A sign of water usage in the valley, although I'm sure I spied David playing bongos on them.

Not too sure if this is ironic or pretentious.  Oh Lord, won't you buy me, a Mercedes Benz? Or a new electric VW camper?

Yes, honestly, we walked past and didn't go in.

Back to the cafe in Alportel and everyone’s favourite part of the walk, a chance to enjoy a glass of cheap plonk or very cheap beer.  We were joined by Sue and Jim.

The boring bits:-

Distance: 17 or so kms.  I got 18.83 but my phone was playing up.

Elevation gain: 523 m.

Time moving: 4 hours 8 minutes.

Time out: 4 hours 58 minutes.