25 Fountains
Friday, 11th April
| Distance: | 13 miles |
| Total Ascent: | 165 feet |
| Total Descent: | 2,790 feet |
| Time: | 6.5 hours |
| Weather: | Mainly sunny |
Christo Rei, Levada do Paul, Rabacal, 25 fontes (waterfalls), Florencas
The first Levada we followed, the highest in Madeira, was quite small and very picturesque with good views to the coast where low cloud hung over the sea and some hillsides. After the morning break we made our way down to Levada do Risco following a mainly unused road and many steps. The path at the side of the levada was very narrow and a slow group in front of us, plus people coming in the opposite direction, made for very slow going. At the end of the levada is a cove where water cascades from a height of over 50ft and is surroundedby countless smaller waterfalls and rivultes making their way through the undergrowth. Retracing our steps beside the levada we made much better time and continued to follow the levada to reach the tunnel which, reputedly, was built to accommodate riders on horseback. After a second lunch stop, the first being beside the waterfalls, we began our descent to Florencas where the bus picked us up.
Starting out just below the plateau of Paul de Serra (Mountain Marsh) . . .
we pass a large expanse of solar panels . . .
and enjoy views to the coast, enhanced by the hanging cloud
After a brief stop . . .
there are more views to the coast . . .
as we enjoy gently sloping ground for a change
There is even enough space . . .
for a few cows to graze and enjoy the sun
The levada makes its way beneath the road . . .
but is this a 'plunge pool'?
More cloud to enhance the view to the coast
Unspoilt virgin vegetation of Rabacal's hidden valley
At the end of the road a few birds . . .
gather in the hope . . .
that they will be fed . . .
but surely this is Peter and Paul (from childhood days)
Moss covered rocks . . .
and lichen adorned trees are evidence of the abundant rains that fall here
Numerous cascades known as 25 fontes (springs) . . .
flank the main waterfall . . .
at the bottom of which . . .
coloured rocks add to the view
The group chooses a 'comfortable' spot for a 'first lunch' . . .
before continuing on the walk . . .
which takes us through a tunnel . . .
which could have held a man on horseback at this point
The other group have started their descent as we stop for our 'second lunch' . . .
and an optical illusion would have us think that the water is flowing uphill
Almost at the end of the walk . . .
but which way did the other group go?!