Trails
Vereda do Espigão
A climb to the Espigão lookout over the Serra de Água valley
The place
Vereda do Espigão is a walk of about 1.9 km that climbs to Espigão, the viewpoint that looks out over the Serra de Água valley in Ribeira Brava municipality. The overall difficulty is easy, but the climb is concentrated in one steep section of about 450 m over roughly 1.4 km, while the rest of the route is easier going.
The walk takes about 90 minutes, and that steep section is the reason to plan it carefully rather than treat it as a stroll. The reward is the view over the valley from the viewpoint, which makes it a short outing for anyone who likes a hard climb with a clear payoff. Plan to spend a few minutes at the viewpoint, since the view is the reason for the walk.
Highlights
- One section climbs about 450 m over roughly 1.4 km, at an average slope of about 32 per cent.
- The viewpoint looks out over the Serra de Água valley, and that view is the main reward for the effort.
- The walk takes about 90 minutes, so it fits into a half day with time to spare.
When to come
Go in the morning, so the steep climb is done while it is cooler and you have daylight for the rest of the walk.
Getting there
Start in Serra de Água and follow the route up to the Espigão viewpoint.
Worth knowing
- Allow about 90 minutes for the walk, with most of the effort in the steep section.
- Wear shoes with good grip for the steep section, where the slope averages about 32 per cent.
- Take water and a warm layer for time spent at the viewpoint.
- Start in good time so the steep climb is done with daylight to spare.
- Download an offline map before you set out, as mobile signal can be patchy on hillside paths.