Trails
Levada Nova dos Canhas
The higher levada of the Lombada loop, with tunnels and drops
The place
The Levada Nova dos Canhas runs above the Levada do Moinho on the slopes behind Lombada, above Ponta do Sol. This stretch of about 3.3 km starts by the Estrada Nova da Lombada, where a bus stop is named after the levada, and follows the channel north to the head of the valley, where it meets the Levada do Moinho.
It is level, at about 390 m, but it is the more demanding half of the Lombada loop. Long stretches run along steep drops with no railings, the path passes behind a waterfall, a tunnel of about 200 m is completely dark, and near the head of the valley the way crosses a riverbed over rocks. Walked one way it takes about an hour; returning along the lower Levada do Moinho makes a loop of about 9 km that takes in both channels.
Highlights
- A waterfall that the path passes behind.
- A dark tunnel of about 200 m; a torch is essential.
- A level channel at about 390 m above the Lombada slopes.
- It meets the Levada do Moinho at the head of the valley, for a loop of about 9 km.
When to come
A dry, calm day; wind and wet rock make the unfenced sections dangerous.
Getting there
Start at the Levada Nova bus stop on the Estrada Nova da Lombada above Ponta do Sol, or reach it from the church at Lombada, where parking is limited.
Worth knowing
- Distance and time: about 3.3 km one way, about an hour.
- Climb: about 10 m; the channel is level.
- Difficulty: moderate, with long unfenced drops; not for anyone uneasy with heights or for young children.
- Tunnel: bring a head torch.
- Riverbed: a short scramble over rocks near the head of the valley.
- Fee: none; this is not an official PR trail.