The Poio das Urtigas hike in Seixal is likely one of the most original, historic hikes on the island of Madeira. This hike incorporates a lengthy forgotten, stone home hidden within the Laurissilva Forest. The cottage was used as a refuge throughout World War Two and different durations 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 fine condition however has dilapidated attributable to an absence of use and now the path could be very overgrown to achieve the cottage.
Poio das Urtigas Hike particulars
- Hike Distance:Â The complete distance of the hike was 11 kilometers.
- Hike Duration:Â The hike will take you about 5-7 hours, particularly in case you have a break at just a few of the numerous scenic spots alongside the way in which.
- Hike Difficulty: This route was tough to path discover and would solely be suggested with an area information or an area buddy who has finished the route earlier than. Do not try in moist climate attributable to slippery drop-offs. Please don’t underestimate this route, there are lots of factors to slide, fall and never get better. Overall, there have been no climbing elements however plenty 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 way in which to Fanal should 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 hooked up the parking beneath, which is identical parking for the Seixal Natural Pools.
My expertise on the Poio das Urtigas Hike
After talking with just a few native mates during the last 12 months 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 12 months in the past. This was evident within the overgrowth.
We drove all the way down to Bar Santiago – Inocencia’s bar and parked the automobile. It was a dusty day, which regularly 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 actually, this was one of many tougher elements of the hike. This was primarily attributable to not desirous to dislodge any rocks and making an attempt our greatest to tread calmly and keep upright.
This early a part of the route is a little bit difficult to stay on monitor 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 couple of times. Having a GPX route on the cellphone is not only useful but additionally an excellent security precaution to keep away from happening the incorrect, steep paths.
The essential level to notice is that you could cross the river right here after which you’ll get pleasure from a small opening with an excellent view.
The wonderful half about this path is the historical past. As we scrambled up arduous slopes and steep climbs, we repeatedly got here alongside the remnants of stone partitions and farms. Too usually 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 repeatedly compelled 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 proper. We observe the trail to the proper 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 an attractive a part of the hike with historic bushes towering above us as we shuffle our approach by the undergrowth.
Generally, the path was overgrown however principally with native vegetation. However, as we neared the cottage, the path was overrun by blackberries and invasive vegetation. 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 kind of exceptional. We can see all the way in which all the way down to Ilheus Ribeira da Janela. However, because of the hazy, dusty day, the view was not fairly as clear as normal.
From right here, you might head again down the way in which you got here up though happening that ridge can be an fascinating trip. We headed as much as the foot of Fanal after which looped again down on the Cavaca path. We had meant to observe a distinct ridge down however as gentle was fading, we caught to a safer route that we knew was protected for low-light climbing slightly than making an attempt 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 will 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 an area information or an area buddy who is aware of the realm effectively.
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