AWW Walk report – 4 June 2025 – Ribeiro Da Amieira (Cistus Valley)

Water, water everywhere!

 

10 walkers and 2 x dogs. Ken, Max, Sue, Gill, Miriam, Fiona, Kieran, Linda, Jim and Geoff the photographer, plus Bica and Toby the dogs.

 

We met at Café Trigo Bom in Figueira.  Then we drove 4kms further up the road and started the walk well away from any tarmac.

 

 

We took a short cut through a field to join a nice wide track and then came our first of many water crossings.

Then we cut into the hidden valley and joined the narrow paths between the cistus bushes.

We even had water on one of the paths.

We headed up the one main hill of the day, enjoying the views of all the water in the valley.

 The weather was slightly cooler today with a light breeze so very pleasant, the only thing to spoil it was the buzzing noise coming from the Portimao race track.  A formula 4 race was taking place.

We passed the hover craft track but no action there, just one lonely looking hover craft.

The dogs loved all the water today.

The only people we saw were a couple of men harvesting cork.  Our guys stopped to chat and were surprised to hear they only get 20 euros for 15 kilos of cork.

We found a nice shady area to relax and enjoy our picnic lunches and listen to the gushing stream nearby.  Ken modelled his new head wear for us.

On and one through more water crossings.

We had a close call at the last water crossing.  Kieran was helping Ken but they both nearly fell backwards into the water.  Geoff as usual had his camera at the ready. That was a close call.

We drove back down to Figueira and enjoyed nice cool drinks at the café.

 

The walk was 14.5kms and took 4 ½ hours, including lunch stop.  Well done everyone for completing the full walk and for joining us today.  Thanks, Geoff, for all the photos.

Linda

It’s too darn hot. It’s too darn hot … A very warm walk from Alportel

In order to get that perfect shot we had to stand on the cafe steps

for the all important photograph.

From left to right: Jan, Martin, Tony, Linda and a shy Toby, Karen, Steve, Julie

With Alan and Rafa in front

Off we set on tarmac and calcada.. It was quite warm, not too hot yet.

Our first stop, chatting to a hasher.  Note that he's behind bars, where most hashers should probably be!!  It's too darn hot to be hanging around.

Up the first off-piste hill. A bit tricky but short. It’s too darn hot for long climbs.

Going down into Fonte Fereia. It was a little bit slippy in places after the rains of winter.
I’m not good at going down. Someone did note that Tony has said so.
Well yes he’s used to me either crying or shouting no.

Better going down because it’s too darn hot for uphills

The first river crossing.
This one was easy with the stepping stones but it was still a nice paddle for the dogs.

Well it didn't last long. At the turn off a steep off-piste uphill. Mercifully it was short because it’s

too darn hot for long ones.

But we did get some wonderful views. Then an easier down towards the Parises road.
Jan was explaining that Italians have the smallest …. She couldn't think of the word.
I suggest something then Jan remembered it was condoms. She didn’t say how she knew.
It too darn hot for such discussions.

Down to the Alportel river.
Lots of water for the dogs to enjoy because it’s too darn hot for them

Off on the Via Algarviana link route

Some muttering about uphills I don’t know why, I prefer uphills.

I like it on top, the view's better. But it was too darn hot for any mega climbs

The barragem was brimming with water.

Again an ideal opportunity for the dogs to cool off while the humans refuelled and rehydrated.

Well it was too darn hot for much else.

Some people wondered about getting wet crossing water as this was hinted at in the walk description.  Here's the first crossing with no alternatives.  Cool,clear and refreshing with added snakes.

Spot the snake!

Just what you need before lunch because it's too darn hot!

A shady spot for an early lunch.

Then a second crossing to navigate.. I do like it wet.  Which is good when it's so darn hot.

Some people like it fast, rough and loud.  It's too darn hot for all that.

Back along the river paths.  More shade and water for the dogs. It's definitely too darn hot.

Of the two photos I don't know which sums up the AWW better!!

Quick, run. I see walkers coming.  Mind you it's too darn hot for any of that!!!

Show me a sign Lord.  Oh good, nearly there.

Back to the shade of the cafe.  It was a bit warm on the walk

It's too darn hot It's too darn hot I'd like to sup with my baby tonight Refill the cup with my baby tonight I'd like to sup with my baby tonight Refill the cup with my baby tonight But I ain't up to my baby tonight 'Cause it's too darn hot It's too darn hot It's too darn hot.

Lyrics by Cole Porter

Many thanks to Alan for the super photos.

The Stats:-

14 kms.
275 metres of climb.
3h 11mins moving time.
3h 58 mins total time.

AWW Walk Alfontes May 21st 2025

 An Algarve Ramble

 'Twas Wednesday morn, in realms of Algarve sun,

When ardent hikers, ere the day was done,

At Cantinho's cheerful café did convene,

A hopeful band, upon the verdant scene.

With coffee hot, their spirits much inflamed,

Julie and Tony, from UK lately claimed,

With Gill and Jim, and Max, their sturdy mate,

And Karen, Steve, defying early fate.

Then Jan and David, keen for paths untrod,

And Martin, leader, by the hiking god

Appointed, with his Rafa, loyal hound,

Whose tiny tail bespoke no earthly bound.

 They rose, they strode, then downward took their way,

Into Algibre's vale, where shadows lay.

But ah! a turn, by Martin's compass missed,

A slight misstep, by humorous fate kissed.

 Then upward, slow, a long and winding climb,

To heights that mocked the very hand of time.

Yet views arose, a solace for the eyes,

And weary limbs found rest beneath the skies.

A welcome seat, a water break well-earned,

As sunbeams on their brow serenely burned.

 Then down they wound, where Algibre's whispers played,

A silver stream, through sun and dappled shade.

Along the path, where verdant boughs entwined,

To lunch they came, a shaded spot to find.

 And some, emboldened by the river's gleam,

Did dip their feet within the crystal stream,

A childish joy, in water cool and clear,

Dispelling all the morning's toil and fear.

But mark the tale! As onward then they went,

A sudden crash, a cry to heaven sent!

Poor David fell! With unexpected grace,

He kissed the earth, upon his chin and face.

But lo! two angels, with their medical might,

Karen and Jan, brought healing to the light.

And Julie, too, with wipes of every kind,

A medic's trove, for scrapes and blood entwined.

With forehead scratched, and nose a bloody hue,

He rose, unbowed, his spirit strong and true.

 His pack restored, though painful was the plight,

They sought the short-cut, in the afternoon's fierce light.

For 30 degrees, the sun, a fiery king,

No murmur rose, no hiker dared to sing

Of longer paths, or scenery more grand,

But silent trudged, across the sun-baked land.

 The lively chatter, hushed by summer's heat,

As up the hill, they dragged their weary feet.

At last, the café, with its shaded ease,

A welcome drink, a balm for summer's breeze.

So praise to all, who braved the fervent day,

And David, too, who rose from where he lay,

A hero scarred, but with a spirit bold,

Another Wednesday story to unfold!

Martin

15.2km Thanks everybody

 

A poetic  ramble in the Alto da Cacalheira : 30 April 2025

Through morning mist and hesitant skies, five wandered forth, unbowed, unwise. David, Ros, Alan, and Linda stride. Toby, a  faithful hound ,  trotting beside.

The wind whispered warnings, the clouds drew near, yet downward we drifted, free of fear. Baranco da Gata cradled our feet, where shadows and sunlight wove their retreat.

Quinta rose in welcoming grace, laughter tumbling, lightening pace. Westward we climbed where the hills lay wide, Alto de Xincheira, our challenge, our pride.

No murmur, no sigh, only will unshaken, each step a story, a memory taken. A feast of bread, of rest, of cheer, then onward once more, the Algarviana near.

The northern ridge stretched, wild and high, a final embrace beneath an open sky. Back to Baranco, weary yet bright, hikers’ hearts basking in journey’s light.

Peter.....with thanks to Alan for photos