Alferce Fatburner and Suspension Bridge Crossing 

Date: 7th February 2024 

 

The starting 17 intrepid walkers that met for the AWW on 7th February included: 

Geoff, Sue, Kieran, Fiona, Julie, Tony, Martin, Linda, Alan, Trish, Peter, our newcomers Liam, Louise and Maura, Alan our photographer and our 2 leaders Susan and John. We were accompanied by our canine friends Raffa, Toby and Ziggy. 

Following a quick coffee in café real 13 we headed towards Passadico do Demo where a spectacular view of the 800m boardwalk and suspended bridge built in the Barranco do Demo gorge and nearby mountains awaited us. We descended down the valley on the PR8 :

to our first water crossing.

Some brave walkers glided across the stream on the stones, others succumbed to wearing plastic bags or walking through the water bare footed.

A brief reprieve from the hilly descent took us to our next water crossing :

.....which was followed by a sharp ascent. We followed the undulating terrain which challenged even the fittest of us.

The suspension bridge and boardwalk eventually came into sight. We relaxed for a short break on the wooden benches while admiring the landscape. An option to return to Alferce over the bridge and boardwalk was offered at this early stage and refused.

When our pulse rates returned to normal, we continued on an unpaved road. We opted to exclude the steep ascent to Alferce castle, a sight to be investigated on another outing (when we recced the walk, we were told that it wasn’t worth the bother).  

We crossed a road leading into Alferce and gingerly made our way past barking dogs, hens etc  ensuring that our dogs were on leads. Toby was most disappointed. The walk continued on a small dirt track and arrived at another decision point; return to Alferce, go to Monchique or as we did follow the VA13 link path. Unfortunately, we were so relaxed and enjoying ourselves that we didn’t spot 2 vicious dogs that took exception to our walking near their house. The bigger dog attacked poor Toby who now has 2 big fang holes on his bottom. Eventually the farmer called his vicious animals and we were able to pass. During our recce I had seen these dogs. They barked at us but never left their property so I assumed they were safe. Thankfully, Linda has assured me that Toby’s fine and doesn’t need stitches. 

Another steep incline brought us to the promised restaurant or rather lunch stop at the top of the hill and summit of our walk. We enjoyed this spectacular viewpoint and relaxed for a short time.

Thereafter, we descended into the valley with a few ups and downs (walkers were promised a fat burner) and retraced our steps to the decision point where some walkers opted for the road walk into Alferce.

The other 15 walkers proceeded to the boardwalk :

and suspension bridge where plenty of swaying of the bridge occurred and many photos were taken. Only 5 walkers are allowed on the bridge at a time so it took a little time to cross.

Peter decided that this option was too easy and descended on the dirt track into the valley and climbed up the other side.

Eventually we returned to Passadico do Demo and onto café real 13 where we enjoyed a well-deserved beverage and rest.  

Details of walk: 

Distance: 14km approx.  

Time: 4:09:32 

Elevation gain: 1982 ft 

 

Many thanks to Alan our wonderful photographer.  

Welcome to our 3 newcomers; Maura, Liam and Louise. I hope you can join us on another AWW.  

Many thanks to all who participated and to Geoff our walk coordinator.  

John and Susan