AWW 2015-24

Wind Turbines above Budens Wed Feb 14th

My thanks to AWW for allowing me to be your newest walk leader. I had been properly briefed by Geoff on how to communicate the starting location , choose a rural cafe with adequate parking and of course “reccy” the route to minimise the surprise element.

The 14 walkers and two dogs at Vista Alegre Budens

( Linda, Kieran, Fiona, Susan, John, Sue, Geoff, Bruce, Gillian, Julie, Tony, Alan, Peter and Vyv)

Names in order on my booking sheet not the photo

….. and off we go

The first 2kms was effectively up hill with majority on the tarmac road that is the perimeter road of San Antonio Golf Course ( previously known as Parque De Floresta). We had stayed there as a family last August and had the opportunity of researching a possible walk ( but not a reccy )

Not long before most members recognised the GR13 which had provided the long distance walks of a few years back. Now the route became flat with a sandy surface and wide panoramic views back to the sea and the mountains to the north east

As we walked toward the Turbines, the photo ( and my thanks to Alan for providing all the shots) highlights the height and perspective against us mere mortals

We are here to enjoy ourselves and we are !

The lunch spot approx half way provided a little shelter from the wind, We could now see the ER268 main road to Carrapateira.The next few kms had a significant change of scenery and a nice downwards slope, but of course , going into the valley meant a few more water hazards to negotiate .

We eventually arrived at the main road ( dirt track ) to Petralva and a nice gentle slope back up to the plateau

Up to this point we had diligently and successfully followed the red line on the Map ! But why or why did we depart off this line. As always we paid the price and through bush and scrub following a goat trail rather than footpath but probably no more than 100m from the designated route . Eventually back on the route despite a homestead which clearly said “Beware of children and dogs”

And finally back to the cafe for refreshments.

This map was produced using OSMandMaps ( an Ap available for mobile phones, tablets or PC) . Other very similar Aps are OutdoorActive , Maps.me. I would recommend using the free versions ( a bit more limited) until happy with the process. You do need to download the Map of Portugal on your phone which includes all the recognised footpaths ( but not goat trails!). Whilst on the walk you can then see precisely where you are at any given time.

It is then possible to download a GPX file from any of the Aps and share with other members so the route could easily be followed even if the leader/owner is not present.

My thanks to all of AWW for the welcome showed and the patience when it was obvious that we had gone a little adrift, and particularly Peter and Bruce who scouted the way through

Best wishes.

Vyv James

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.