A lovely walk , an old favourite, that we haven't done since October 2016. going on a Thursday so we can try out the Silva safe for lunch.

A circular walk of about 8 or 9 kms, so approx. 2 hours.

Degree of difficulty : 3 ( scale 1:5) Energetic

Start : 10.00 am

Directions : drive from CVO to Silves, go over the bridge and turn right and follow the N124 for about 7 kms until you see a turning on the left signposted "Barragem do Arade 3 kms".......the signpost is in a small triangular traffic island, which has a large palm tree on it.

It may be easier to meet here at 09:25.....the start of the walk is another 10 minutes drive away.

If you want to meet at the start of the walk itself, then drive in the direction of the Barragem for about 1km when there is a cafe on the left ( the A Rainha): turn right, signposted Canestros and Gregorios.

Drive through both Canestros and Gregarios for 3kms then make a sharp left turn, almost doubling back on yourself.

Drive for 2kms until you come to a T junction at the top of the hill, turn left for cafe Silva and it is immediately on the left. Please note, it doesn't actually have a name outside, but there is a big Delta Coffee sign.

Map ref : 37.246894 N, 8.355795W

There are a couple, or so, of uphill stretches...actually, about 6....some quite steep, with loose shale. Walking boots/stout trainers recommended and walking poles.

Beautiful views, ancient menhirs & tombs!

Usual caveats - all walks are at your own risk, and we do not walk if it is pouring with rain.....I will endeavour to put any cancellation note on this site by 0830 on the day of the walk.

There is no charge.

Lunch.optional at 8.5€, so charge will be 10€ with any change going to Supporting Families Charity. Please note that I have only tried this restaurant once, many years ago, and wasn't too impressed BUT it's worth a second chance...lovely views.

Please advise below if you are intending to come and whether you want lunch.. These walks were very popular last year and we had to limit numbers to about 20.

Any questions , please ask or ring 282 380015 preferably between 1800-1900 or 8am and 9am.

Hi Geoff. I'd like to walk but won't stay for lunch.

Yes please, walk and lunch!
Looking forward,
David and Mieke

Hi Geoff- please include Graham and Ruth for the walk and lunch. We will meet at the signpost at 9.25am.
Thanks

Hello Geoff,
Nicholas and I would be delighted to attend this walk!!
See you there
Dolors

The threatened 10.00 shower failed to materialise, as did 4 of the walkers , so 5 of us enjoyed a liesurely coffee and admired the views and the site of the suckling pig BBQ , apparently set for next sunday:
On the cusp of leaving, David & Mieke arrived, blaming satnav/google map problems......anyway, 7 of us set off, in reverse for a change, down dale & uphill, passing the menhirs:
...and some slightly more modern stone patterns :
There's an old saying about not walking on a thursday or a sunday in the Algarve because of hunting... I was explaining that we rarely saw a hunter when one appeared!
We then came across Nicholas and Delores, walking towards us....they had apparently gone to yesterday's walk starting point! Anyway, we joined forces and looped back via the graves for a drink at the Silva cafe :
8 of us were guinea pigs for our first lunch there since Feb 2015...along with about 60 locals....lovely pork casserole, perhaps could have been a bit hotter...
This one met his hunter:
Anyway, a good lunch for 8.5€ meaning a 5€ for the charity kitty.

Dolores and Nicholas wanted to do the whole walk:
So Sue & I agreed to go round with them.....unfortunately, the 1000 shower decided to arrive at about 3pm:
so almost a double walk for us...the single circuit being a tad over 2 hours at about 8km.

We'll add the restaurant to our list for future walks.