AWW 2015-24: Monchique Picota Loop in Reverse

Monchique Picota Loop in Reverse

Date: 30^th October 2024

Pre walk drama

Numbers for the walk decreased and increased on the days prior to the walk. The forecast was wet wet wet with heavy rain. Initially we considered cancelling the walk. When we woke up the day of the walk it seemed that this would have been wise as it was lashing. I briefly thought we were back in Ireland and began to dream about a relaxation day. However, reality set in when Julie emailed me that they would join us on the walk. I realised that we are made of sturdy stuff and decided to proceed despite the inclement weather. With raingear, fly spray and factor 50 we reluctantly headed to Monchique.

The Walk

Despite the poor forecast we were happy to meet 6 enthusiastic walkers in Monchique. At coffee we discussed when the rain would come and encouraged everyone to bring raingear and sticks. John then came up with the bright idea that we’d do the walk in reverse: clockwise rather than the previous anticlockwise direction. Thinking that we would probably have to turn back when the rain arrived I agreed. From Intermarche we followed the PR2 up a narrow road through a beautiful wooded area until we reached the foot of Picota which intercepted the GR 13 Via Algarviana. There were no volunteers to race to the top of Picota. In fact, everyone declined the challenge to ascend it.

Group

From left to right: Gill, Peter, Susan, Julie, Linda, Ros, Tony and our doggy friend Toby. Photo taken by John

We continued along the PR2 eventually passing in front of a house with the red and yellow PR2 mark inside the gateway. The owner had previously assured us that they would allow access through their land. We are happy to report that this is still the case.

House on PR2

We then followed a downhill steep section which provided us with beautiful views of the Barragem de Odelouca. Eventually after 7 kms we stopped for lunch in a scenic area where three small roads met.

Lunch in Sun

Julie decided that she was queen of the castle and climbed onto her stone throne. Despite her royal demeanour, dog and walkers ignored her. She reluctantly climbed off her perch and we continued our descent passing a number of houses and two bright and cheerful looking guest houses should we decide to abandon our hike.

The Queen

View South in the sun

At this stage the village of Caldas de Monchique was visible through the vegetation. We left this view behind, bypassed this pretty village and departed from the PR2. We continued on a little pathway which necessitated climbing over a number of fallen trees, leaves and some branches. Thankfully all walkers were up to the task at hand and we eventually returned to the PR2. However, the walk still provided us with a further challenge. We climbed up through a gully which even since doing the recce on Sunday was further eroded. Everyone successfully completed this mission.

We eventually reached a small road with magnificent views of Monchique. We happily descended the narrow roadway and had a well- deserved drink in the local tavern Barnita. Luckily the weather got better as the walk progressed and there was no sign of the dreaded deluge which had been forecasted. The verdict was that doing the walk in reverse was a success.