Walk 18 February 2013 ; where ?..Aguas Bellas

[Geoff]

Hi all
My last till May , but where?

Strenuous...Aguas Belas
Moderate....Benagil
Novel.....a new route to Silves windmill & woods behind

At 1000 anyway....preferences?.......perhaps the novel one ?

Geoff

[Geoff]

No one got a preference?
Looks like Aguas Belas then!

Geoff

[raycharsley]

Hi Geoff, We'd love to join you this time perhaps with a friend, It's a bit early for me to have a preference as I've just started walking here, so I'm happy to go with what you experienced walkers decide.

[raycharsley]

Oh a quick thought will you be publishing directions here?

[Geoff]

Hi Ray....details now posted and please bring a friend.

[Geoff]

Following the avalanche of ideas, decision is : Aguas Bellas!

Please note that this is quite a long and strenuous walk!

A circular walk of 2.5 hours or so ,(actually, 2 hours 45 minutes last time) ,north of Silves around Aguas Bellas through interesting countryside, with some small streams.

The walk is fairly undulating with one long haul up a hillside....proably about half a kilometer long...... then the rest is fairly straightforward. We will have plenty of stops to recover our breath, etc.and admire the views.

10.00am start.

Directions: Drive over bridge at Silves & turn right at traffic lights. At next roundabout take the 2nd exit towards the castle. Passing the cemetery walls on your right take next turn right. Follow this road until you reach the Cafe Terinho on the left hand side, about 4 kms from the roundabout in Silves.

Please do not park in front of the cafe : there is plenty of space alongside the road after it.

Please wear stout trainers or, preferably, walking boots. Walking poles, sun cream, hats and water also recommended.
If the weather is bad, we won't walk : but if showery, please bring something waterproof.

If the weather turns for the worse, any cancellation notice will be posted here by 0900 on the day ; please check if in doubt...or ring me.

All walks are at your own risk.

No charge, of course.

Please indicate below if you are able to come.

Geoff

Any questions please telephone 282 380015 before 0900.

[mike28]

Hi Geoff,
we´ll be there
Mike & Su

[Geoff]

Looking forward to it, Mike & Su...Geoff

[Bruce Wallis]

Good old Geoff....if in doubt choose the Rambo walk

[janetandjohn]

Morning Geoff,
would like to join you this morning, with Janet, could you let me have directions please, regards john

[Geoff]

hi John.....as above:

Directions: Drive over bridge at Silves & turn right at traffic lights. At next roundabout take the 2nd exit towards the castle. Passing the cemetery walls on your right take next turn right. Follow this road until you reach the Cafe Terinho on the left hand side, about 4 kms from the roundabout in Silves.

hi Bruce...only thinking of your training schedule!

[HampshireRich]

hi Bruce...only thinking of your training schedule!

Hi Geoff,

For those of us who are worried about Bruce's stroll over the mountains, can you ensure that he reaches his ultimate fitness. I suggest you give him a military style back-pack - half-weight of about 40 kilos due to his increasing age - and get him to jog round this last walk of yours. It would ease my mind considerably knowing he is at the peak of fitness in the mountains.

[janetandjohn]

Thank you once again for organising and supervising the walks we have shared with you.
Have a safe journey home. I hope we meet again towards the end of the year,
Best wishes, Janet and John

[Geoff]

The weather held, and 18 of us, plus a friendly husky dog, completed the trail in just under 2 h 45 m.....a small departure from our old trail being necessary as a local landowner had ploughed up the path & erected a dam to keep people out!
We welcomed back some old friends ( & thanks Janet & John for your kind words) : rather sad that it's my last walk till May, but hopefully others will pick up the mantle.
Only Ros & I braved the wrath of the cafe owner to have a coffee after...she was as nice as pie and asked us about the walk....such a transformation!
Memo : carry anti -bee sting relief in future!

Going up The Hill:


The Top:


Our Companion, who has put on a bit of weight since last november:


The water hazards, with some gallant gents:



and the clever clogs who didn't want to play in the water.....nothing to do with coming from the Netherlands?:

Stand just there Julia:

[Geoff]

Phew, pictures now edited, those who saw ealier versions, my apologies, all seems ok now....not be a techie, reckon it was something to do with a dying dongle, but doubt we shall ever know!