Today’s walk was in the Far East of Madeira on a thin peninsular that points out into the Atlantic Sea. Closer to Morocco than Portugal this area is not typical of the rest of Madeira and shows very clearly it’s volcanic origins.
The area is arid and rocky and the path undulates along the top of this out stretch with times when the sea is evident on both sides. The rock strata is amazing and there are some interesting rock formations – perhaps a combination of volcanic eruption and the force of the sea.
The start of the walk is quite gentle using wooden walk ways to direct the path before it changes and steps up and down emerge.
The ground and remaining plant life becomes more dry and there is little colour differential.
Perhaps the most colour variation is provided between the strata of the cliff faces.
The walk undulates a great deal , twisting around large rock faces. Quite a popular route and we meet several families and groups of people on the way. some quite well equipped for the intense heat- others not!
On our right as we venture further along the peninsular we can see evidence of fish farming – mostly Sea Bass / Bream.
Our first stopping point can be seen- a beach / really a cove! Quite rocky but some brave souls went in the sea. We all started eating lunch and realised it was only 11.15!
Twice a boat arrived from around the corner and dropped off passengers at the small jetty- our swimmers having to get out of the way. There was an obvious picnic place and later some canoeists entered the water.
The rock of the beach made an amazing sound as they were caught by the tide- almost a crackling.
One of our group went up the steep climb to the summit of the peek, along with many other visitors. The path is currently forbidden for use – not something adhered to!
We continued further along and came to an established tea/ coffee and snack bar which was well populated on this very warm Sunday.
A further circle and then on towards our route back. Did the innumerable steps up and down seem easier this way?
First some basalt pillars in the cliff face. Another amazing geological sight.
A rather hot but very enjoyable first walk with group. I’m afraid that even with new hips I was at the back much of the time!
So this first walk was 8.5 km – it seemed longer and was certainly not easy. This was partly due to the intense heat and continuous change of up and down.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 