Trails
Levada do Norte (South)
29.4 km
The place
The south stretch of the Levada do Norte runs on the hillside above Ribeira Brava and the village of Campanário, carrying water from north to south. From the higher paths the view reaches Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão, and the routes are walked as loops from the town.
Walks start from Ribeira Brava and climb towards the Achada do Piquinho viewpoint and the Encumeada tunnel, mixing levada paths, tunnels and staircases. The loops from town run from about 5 to nearly 17 kilometres, so you can choose a short morning or a long day on the same channel. Each loop returns to Ribeira Brava, so the start and finish are the same. The channel is rated moderate to challenging, and sure-footedness is required.
Highlights
- The rest area on the loop has a view down to Ribeira Brava.
- The Encumeada tunnel lies about four kilometres from the Ribeira Brava start on the 5.09-kilometre loop.
- Climbs of 200 to 480 metres on the town loops mean you should pick a loop to suit your fitness.
- The loop from Ribeira Brava passes a tunnel and a waterfall section.
When to come
Start early in the morning on a dry day, since the longest loop from Ribeira Brava takes close to five hours.
Getting there
Park in Ribeira Brava and start the loops from there, climbing towards Campanário and the Achada do Piquinho viewpoint.
Worth knowing
- Allow about two hours for the shortest loop of around 8 kilometres, and up to five hours for the longest at around 17 kilometres.
- Bring a torch for the tunnels.
- Wear sure-footed boots, as the sections need careful footing.
- Carry water and food for the longer loops, which climb up to about 480 metres.
- Choose one loop for the day rather than the whole channel.