Walk Monday 6 November 2017 : Barragem de Funcho...CLOSED

[Geoff]

Please note the walk is now closed.

PLEASE NOTE THE O GRALHA IS SHUT : WE WILL MEET AT THE CASA DE VINHA....SAME VILLAGE, SEE DETAILS IN TODAYS POST BELOW.

Something a bit different to start the walking season : the O Gralha went through a change of ownership ( again!) earlier this year with quite a rebuild. We have yet to try out the menu, so this is a good opportunity to do so....though lunch is, of course, optional.
I am assuming they do a Prata de Dia for about 9€ , but can't guarantee that till we get there!

It's a just over 2.5 hours and it has a couple of steady inclines, but is otherwise predominantly flat(ish)......unless you want to detour to the trig point ( which 5 of us did time before last and adds about 15mins).....and gives great views of the barragem.

Start : 10.00

Difficulty ( on a scale of 1:5) : most is 2 (moderate) but a short part is 3(energetic)....and the trig point diversion is cat 4!!

Directions : drive from Carvoeiro 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 0925 and you can follow us to the start point, but please indicate below if you want us to do this.

Drive in the direction of the Barragem for 1km where there is a cafe ( A Rainha) 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 1.5 km and drive through the village. The O Gralha is at the end of the village on the left. Please park on the right.

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 0830 on the day of the walk.

Walking boots/stout trainers , walking pole(s), hats and water recommended. No charge, of course.

Please advise if you are intending to come. Due to the increase in numbers on these walks , we are having to restrict the numbers to the first 20 people who state below that they intend to come.

Any questions , please ask below or PM me or ring 282 380015 preferably between 1800-1900 (but not before 31 October).

GPS: 37.250432, -8.350601

[sue2215]

Hi Geoff,

Hope you are well.
We would like to join you for the first walk of the season and lunch also.
Sue & Steve

[Lowthian]

Hi Geoff, we would love to join you on this walk & for lunch. Thanks Colin & Sharon.

[Buddypair]

Bom Dia Geoff
Please include Nigel and Helen for walking and lunch.
Thanks

[Geoff]

Just to say that I have heard that O Gralha is/will be closing...once I get confirmation, I'll switch the start and lunch to Casa da Vinha : for those that don't know it, it's in the same village, but at the other end. Same walk, just a few minutes longer to walk through village!

[Mary Perry]

Yes please.
Mary & Paddy

[Dafmie]

Yes please for us two,
David and Mieke

[gillandjim]

Hi we look forward to see you all
Gilljim

[Josephine]

Mary M

[Geoff]

CHANGE OF START POINT AND LUNCH VENUE

As above, unfortunately the O Gralha is shut again, so we will meet at Casa de Vinha and, for those that want it, have lunch there.

Instructions are basically as above , but then :

"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 1 km and the Casa de Vinha is on the right , just before you enter the village. There is limited parking at the back."

It will add about 20 mins to the walk!

[Geoff]

Message for David & Mieke.....please see the PM I have sent you or email me at :
geoffrey.j.hill@btopenworld.com

Thanks
Geoff

[Geoff]

and newcomers Martin & Maggie...and possibly Jan and Otter....and Sue & Emma.

Walk is now closed

[Mary Perry]

OK Geoff, noted change of start venue.
Mx

[Geoff]

A beautifully sunny November day , not a cloud in the sky, warm and just a bit of cooling breeze : ideal walking weather.

20 walkers on 2 legs, 2 on 4 who gamely did 12.3k in about 2h 50m...bit longer than usual as we had to walk through the village as the O Gralha is shut. Nevermind, surprisingly the Funcho seemed full, not like the almost empty Arade we saw last week.

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Surprisingly, there was a boat on the barragem!

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13 of us enjoyed the usual good lunch at Casa de Vinha .