Boca da Corrida, Bocca da Cerro, Pico Grande, Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns)

From the starting point at Boca da Corrida much of the walking was on pleasant paths, either contouring around the hillside or tackling various degrees of ascent or descent, with one short cable assisted section. After reaching the Boca da Ceiro, where we ate lunch, some of the group tackled the scramble to the summit of Pico Grande. Unfortunately the mist had closed in to a degree and distant views were limited. From here we soon reached the long, gradual descent where the path was being upgraded. A final road section took us to Curral das Freiras, the hidden Valley of the Nuns, used by the nuns of Santa Clara Convent whenever pirates attacked the island.

Both groups start from the same place - as Al takes it easy!

Taking in the sights at Boca da Corrida . . .

including our target, Pico Grande . . .

with its distinctive rocky knoll on the summit

Looking back to the viewpoint enjoyed by the other group

Low cloud plays around the summit of Pico Grande . . .

as we make our way along . . .

the contouring path

The 'golf ball' on the right is the sarting point for a later walk which travels left along the ridge

The open contouring path is pleasant to walk along . . .

and provides good views . . .

including one of myself

The cable assisted section - rather exposed in parts . . .

and another chance to 'stand on the edge' . . .

before the less steep section on route to . . .

Boca da Ceiro, the hause before . . .

Pico Grande where Al checks out . . .

the route to the summit trig point

Kath and Stuart relax on the summit - but with a misty background . . .

Kath takes to a rocky protrusion

Bare lava adorns the nearby slope

'Tree in the mist' . . .

before crossing the narrow part of our descent . . .

with Faja Escura in the valley below

A tree beside the path . . .

with interesting bark . . .

which almost looks like satin

Taking time out at Curral das Freiras . . .

the village named after the valley . . .

known as the 'Valley of the Nuns'