The Poio das Urtigas hike in Seixal is without doubt one of the most original, historic hikes on the island of Madeira. This hike includes a lengthy forgotten, stone home hidden within the Laurissilva Forest. The cottage was used as a refuge throughout World War Two and different intervals as an escape from illnesses comparable to tuberculosis. Just as lately as just a few a long time in the past the home was nonetheless in good condition however has dilapidated because of an absence of use and now the path could be very overgrown to achieve the cottage.
Poio das Urtigas Hike particulars
- Hike Distance: The complete distance of the hike was 11 kilometers.
- Hike Duration: The hike will take you about 5-7 hours, particularly in case you have a break at just a few of the various scenic spots alongside the best way.
- Hike Difficulty: This route was tough to path discover and would solely be suggested with a neighborhood information or a neighborhood pal who has performed the route earlier than. Do not try in moist climate because of slippery drop-offs. Please don’t underestimate this route, there are a lot of factors to slide, fall and never recuperate. Overall, there have been no climbing parts however a lot of scrambling and slippery terrain.
- Hike Incline: Total incline for the hike was formally 1200 meters. However, you don’t want to go all the best way to Fanal in the event you don’t need however generally on these steep climbs it’s higher to proceed up and discover a better route again down.
How to get to the Poio das Urtigas trailhead
It’s finest to park at Santiago Bar in Seixal after which stroll west alongside the highway till simply after the tunnel the place you’ll then flip left up the mountain. I’ve connected the parking under, which is similar parking for the Seixal Natural Pools.
My expertise on the Poio das Urtigas Hike
After talking with just a few native pals during the last yr or so, we set off on our mission. This path was cleared by just a few legends within the north, which might make our journey a lot simpler than their preliminary ascent. However, so far as we knew, the final individuals on this precise route had been there greater than a yr in the past. This was evident within the overgrowth.
We drove all the way down to Bar Santiago – Inocencia’s bar and parked the automotive. It was a dusty day, which frequently occurs on Madeira when the sand ‘floats’ over from the Sahara.
The ascent begins simply after the tunnel and rapidly pushes up a steep climb alongside the ridge. It’s crumbly and truthfully, this was one of many more difficult components of the hike. This was primarily because of not desirous to dislodge any rocks and attempting our greatest to tread frivolously and keep upright.
This early a part of the route is a little bit difficult to stay on observe given the quantity of leaves that fall and canopy the path. We did our greatest to observe the marks though we nonetheless managed to get misplaced a few times. Having a GPX route on the telephone isn’t just useful but in addition an amazing security precaution to keep away from taking place the unsuitable, steep paths.
The fundamental level to notice is that it’s essential cross the river right here after which you’ll get pleasure from a small opening with an amazing view.
The wonderful half about this path is the historical past. As we scrambled up arduous slopes and steep climbs, we constantly got here alongside the remnants of stone partitions and farms. Too typically we hike right here on Madeira, marveling on the bravery, and willpower of the farmers on this island.
The climb was by no means enjoyable, the terrain constantly pressured us to pay attention with leaves, fallen logs and unfastened stones. Often the drops down the steep cliffs of the north had us taking our time with our footing and steps.
After about 5 hundred meters of incline, we reached the intersection. At this level there’s a path that continues up the ridge and a path that diverges to the suitable. We observe the trail to the suitable for one kilometer to achieve the stone cottage. Here the trail turns into way more dense and the Laurissilva Forest begins to overwhelm the path. It’s a wonderful a part of the hike with historical bushes towering above us as we shuffle our approach via the undergrowth.
Generally, the path was overgrown however largely with native crops. However, as we neared the cottage, the path was overrun by blackberries and invasive crops. This is as a result of the solar has extra of an opportunity to achieve these areas, which had been beforehand terraces and gardens of the cottage.
The view from the cottage is sort of exceptional. We can see all the best way all the way down to Ilheus Ribeira da Janela. However, because of the hazy, dusty day, the view was not fairly as clear as regular.
From right here, you could possibly head again down the best way you got here up though taking place that ridge could be an attention-grabbing trip. We headed as much as the foot of Fanal after which looped again down on the Cavaca path. We had supposed to observe a distinct ridge down however as gentle was fading, we caught to a safer route that we knew was secure for low-light climbing somewhat than attempting to a brand new route. It was a reasonably brutal and constant climb up with 700m climbed after the cottage with no actual flat respite. Despite the route solely being 11km, you’ll discover this hike takes fairly a very long time because of the overgrowth and technical nature of the path.
I hope this recount gave you an honest concept of what to anticipate on the path. Please solely try this hike with a neighborhood information or a neighborhood pal who is aware of the realm nicely.
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