New Recce Walk : Saturday 17 May 2014, Aguas Bellas

[Geoff]

Whilst exploring a work-around ( walk-around?) the flooded valley of Agua Bellas last January/February, I discovered a new ( to me) track up to the top of the ridge. I only followed it for about half an hour on the ridge, most of the time being taken with abortive trips to the valley bottom to see if the stream was fordable , but think there should be plenty of scope for a lovely walk.

No guarantees that we will be successful in finding the perfect circular track...in fact, it is most unlikely that we will get it right first time....but we should be able to have a few hours lovely walk, and if we have to backtrack, so be it!

I would like to restrict numbers for this to between 6 & 10, so please indicate below if you can come.

Due to the uncertainties, I suggest we bring a light lunch, with a view to having a picnic.

Estimated time...probably 3 to 4 hours.

Overall difficulty ( scale 1 to 5 ) : probably 3, Energetic.

10.00am start.

Directions: Drive over bridge at Silves & turn right at traffic lights. At next roundabout take the 2nd exit towards the castle. Passing the cemetery walls on your right take next turn right. Follow this road until you reach the Cafe Terinho on the left hand side, about 4 kms from the roundabout in Silves.

Please do not park in front of the cafe : there is plenty of space alongside the road after it......or in a carpark, 150m on the right after the cafe.

Please wear stout trainers or, preferably, walking boots. Walking poles, sun cream, hats and water also recommended.
If the weather is bad, we won't walk : but if showery, please bring something waterproof.

If the weather turns for the worse, any cancellation notice will be posted here by 0900 on the day ; please check if in doubt...or ring me.

All walks are at your own risk.

No charge, of course.

Geoff

Any questions please telephone 282 380015 before 0900 , but not before 11 May.

[Ros Smith]

would like to join you on your Saturday adventure.
Ros

[mike28]

Hi Geoff,
Su & I are in Lisbon on the weekend in question and so will, sadly, have to give it a miss.....Mike

[pinkypuffin]

Hi Geoff would love to come but at the moment not possible. I am sure it will be great xx

[Nipazur]

Hi Geoff, will test my strengh and join you. Hope some others do the same. Nina

[Geoff]

Hi Nina...thanks for coming....Eileen also hopes to be there ( + Sue of course) so we should be a little band of explorers!

[Geoff]

Saturday was a great day for walking, nice & sunny, warm without being hot, and with a nice breeze on the ridge....like all good recce walks though, we lost an hour on an abortive trail, but eventually found a good route, albeit quite steep in places and quite long at a net 2hours 45 minutes.
The girls found a nice spot for lunch:


but for those who have done the main Agua Bellas walk with us, look how dry it was!


and contrast how it was in Feb!