Paul do Mar -- Faja da Ovelha - Ancient Vereda WALK, Madeira
This description was written by Paul Abbiati copyright Paul Abbiati, 2011 All rights reserved.
Paul is contact for private holiday rental accommodation in Paul do Mar village an ideal location for walks and exploring the whole island: Sunny House West, 50 metres from the Ocean Front, sleeps 5:
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p405913?uni_id=1060665
Our first suggestion for a walk through the natural beauty that the Madeira region has to offer is the ancient 'vereda' (worker's path) hand built out of cobblestones called the Ladeira dos Zimbreiros. It connects Fajã da Ovelha to Paúl do Mar and zig zags from the Ribeira das Galinhas (stream) of Paul do Mar along the coast up to Fajã da Ovelha 350 metres above.
Our first suggestion takes you to Calheta, to walk the ancient path "vereda", which, for many, many years, was one of the few connections between the villages of Fajã da Ovelha and Paul do Mar. We are talking about "Ladeira dos Zimbreiros", a very old coblestone path, which zig zags down the slope until the Ribeira das Galinhas estuary, right there by the sea.
The surface is in good condition and the areas that could present some danger are protected. Nevertheless, a walking stick is recommended because support is needed when descending and to give knees some rest.
The surface is in good condition and the areas that could present some danger are protected. Nevertheless, a walking stick is recommended because support is needed when descending and allows the knees to have some rest.
As you descend, stop to enjoy the views over the houses down at the bottom, right on the base of the cliff, tidy In a row along the pebbled beach, where, for sometime now fisherman leave to fish in Panama.
As you start descending you'll notice the old cable of carga (Miradouro do Fio) used to facilitate the transport and the exchange of agricultural and sea products between the two villages, therefore they did not have to carry the fish or the potatoes on their backs.
You'll find many other reasons to stop many times. Looking above you, you'll be able to see the cultivated terraces sneaking down from Prazeres.
Walking down just a little more than 2 kilometers allowing you to overcome the 350 metre level gap, which can be tiring but it is worth it.
At the end, look for one of the bars and enjoy some of the house specialities, "Lapas" (shellfish found on Paul do Mar beach) will certainly be part of the menu.
Don't wait until the Summer, in the Winter very interesting walks can be done. Take advantage of a day off and take a change, be certain that even when it rains they are quite safe, and offer you an alternative beauty.
What you can find...
The vegetation that you find when you descend Zimbreiros includes the typical coastal vegetation. Apart from the plants introduced, you'll be able to find some examples of Cila-da-Madeira (Autonoe madeirensis), which at this time of the year, will still be exhibiting its purple stalks which are an attraction to the passer-by.
And if you regained strength from what you saw on the way, then when you arrive in Paul do Mar you'll want to continue the journey. You have at least three options to choose from, to reach Prazeres. Please note that the level gap you just overcame descending, has to be done now ascending, the way up could be more demanding.
Caminho Real do Paul do Mar -- PR19 & Vereda da Atalaia
But as the saying says walk slowly but steady and you go far. You can go up to Vereda da Atalaia, unfortunately this trail is not in very good condition, and the same goes for vereda do Jardim do Mar. That's why we suggest you to follow Vereda do Assumadouro, also known as Caminho Real, which is behind the quay and will take you up to Lombo da Rocha.
Please consider that:
Starting point: Fajã da Ovelha - Calheta
Arrival point: Paul do Mar - Calheta
Duration: 1h30m, taking your time.
Equipment: Apropriate foot and clothes ware, Walking stick
Observations: Descending can be demanding, therefore we do not recommend for people with knee problems.
For more information call 00351 291872036 or
email
abbiati@sapo.pt
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Street to "Paul do Mar", Madeira 2010by margu999900 views
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