Walk Wednesday 25 February 2015 : Vale Fuzeiros

[Geoff]

Hi all
This is an extra walk that I am squeezing in before I go back, as long as there are enough people available to make it worthwhile.

Whilst we have done this walk many times in the past, we haven't for over a year and never from the cafe Silva. Whilst we have never eaten there, their Prata de Dia at about €8 looked good BUT they need notice so PLEASE indicate soonest if you are interested in eating there afterwards.

A circular walk of about 8 or 9 kms, so just over 2 hours. There is a series of up and down slopes, some quite steep, with loose scree, but none very long. Walking boots/stout trainers recommended and walking poles. Beautiful views, ancient menhirs & tombs!

Degree of difficulty ( scale 1:5) : 3, energetic

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 09:30.....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 1km when there is a cafe on the left ( 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 and park in the carpark for cafe/bar/restaurant "Silva".

Usual caveats - all walks are at your own risk, and we do not walk if it is pouring with rain.....I will endevour to put any cancellation note on this site by 0900 on the day of the walk.

Please advise if you are intending to come, whether you want to meet at the N124 turn-off or at Silva and whether you will want lunch.

Due to the recent increase in numbers, I am limiting this walk to 20 people.

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

[etsac]

Thanks Geoff.
Please include us and for lunch.
Trish and Alan

(PS....Trish & Alan not now staying for lunch.....edited Tues 24 Feb)

[Mary Perry]

Yes please Geoff, but not for lunch.
Many thanks.
Mary & Paddy Perry

[Linda and Russell]

Put us down for both the walk and lunch after. We will meet you at the Café Silva.
Linda and Russell

[Mary Perry]

Geoff, we'll endeavour to meet you at the starting point of the walk, not the N124 turn-off.
Mary and Paddy

[Geoff]

On a bright, sunny but blustery day, we managed to get 10 walkers, quorate bearing in mind the short notice, with Bruce & Julia overcoming their jetlag from the depths of Norfolk to join us. We walked the walk in reverse, causing some unfamiliar sites : Alan wondered if this marked yet another burial mound ( look for the "cave" entrance below the tree at about 7 o'clock);



but consensus was that " Alan's hole" was actually a half-buried part of an ossified stone-age lass in a G string, see :



The ups and downs of the ridge seemed easier in reverse, and here we all are with the topmost Menhir, that looks almost human in this pic:



We inspected some graves, new to us, that Russell & Linda had found previously:


and Mary had to try one for size:



Bird watchers thought this was either an eagle or a ???vulture:


and hence back to Cafe Silva for a rewarding drink, just over 2 hours. 6 stayed for lunch, very good soup/wine/nibbles/pudding...but shame about the main course.


Think we will stick to Casa da Vinha in future...but nevertheless, a good day's hike.

Thank you all for helping us enjoy this season's walking, hope to meet you all again before too long.