Walk 18 Feb 2014 ; Barragem do Funcho

[Geoff]

This is a new walk that Ros, Alan, Trish & I recce'd......it is quite long at about 2 hrs 40 mins and has a couple of steady inclines, but is otherwise predominently flat(ish)......unless you want to detour to the trig point.....and gives great views of the barragem.

Please note the walk is on a tuesday as the cafe is closed on a monday.

Difficulty ( on a scale of 1:5) : difficult to assess, most is 2 (moderate) but a short part is 3(energetic) .

Meet at cafe/restaurant O Gralho ( they do nice lunches for 9€) at 1000.

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.......if you like, we can meet you here at 0940 and you can follow us to the start point, but please indicate bolow if you want us to do this.

Drive in the direction of the Barragem for 1km when there is a cafe on the left: 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 right for about 2kms and park in the village by O Gralha cafe, which is on the left.

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 0900 on the day of the walk.

Walking boots/stout trainers & walking pole(s) recommended.

Please advise if you are intending to come.

Any questions , please ask or ring 282 380015 preferably between 1800-1900 or 0800-0900.

[forester]

And we will make this one our second walk...as long as we don't get lost!

Dick and Fran

[Geoff]

.as long as we don't get lost!

The directions make it seem worse than it is.....if you like, can meet you at the barragem turn-off on the N124 at 0940....can discuss this option on monday.

[Geoff]

For those thinking of lunching at the restaurant, they would appreciate knowing before we set off, but only if more than 10!

The restaurant on U Tube :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg57eJHjDzE

[28teacher]

Sadly we can't make Tuesdays Geoff. (Hope there's another Monday walk before you go back?) Colin's back in the UK for a week and Rene and Conchita go back to France tomorrow. Su & MIke xx

[Geoff]

(Hope there's another Monday walk before you go back?)

Sorry to hear that Mike, you would like this one.........will be doing one on 24th....hopefully at Agua Bellas if it dries up a bit!

[Bruce Wallis]

Hi Geoff....can you put us down for lunch on Tuesday please.

[Geoff]

can you put us down for lunch on Tuesday please.

....and for the walk????

[janetandjohn]

We will be there,
J&J

[Nipazur]

Hi Geoff, Good morning
I'll be there too and for lunch as well, Nina

[frankiva]

We would like to do the walk and lunch.

Frank and Iva

[Geoff]

Weather looks as if its taken a turn for the best, but watch the site tomorrow morning please....look forward to meeting Frank & Iva

[maureen gutkin]

Geoff,

Put us down for the walk AND LUNCH .

Look forward to it .

Rob and Maureen

[Jaylay]

We will join you for walk and lunch if it is not raining. Bill and Jackie

[Geoff]

The weather held, with 20 walkers : the new walk being deemed a success, even at 2hrs 40 mins......most then enjoyed a beer in the sun and a lovely meal of suckling pig, though unfortunately, I forgot to take the photo.....but here we all are with the barragem in the background: