Fontes walking and hiking route
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Walk Instructions
A real mountain walk with spectacular views
for almost the whole route, well away from the
popular tourist areas and the widespread sporadic
development which blights so much of the coastal
area of southern Madeira. A long ascent at moderate
gradients is followed by a visit to the splendid
viewpoint at the summit at Chao dos Terreiros
(4739ft). All tracks are comfortably wide, without
any dangerous sections. Fontes is a small village
of no particular distinction, set high on the hillside
behind Campanario.
1. Pass a recently restored cottage with red and grey
bandson its chimney bearing left to continue the ascent,
winding around the hillside, with views soon opening up
to the North, including the Encumeada Pass and a large
modern hotel. The track, still rising, passes a little way
below the summit of Pico da Cruz. The central area of the
mountains, including the highest peaks, is now in view.
2. At this point there is a major fork. To the left can be seen
a cattle gate on a rising grass track. To the right the track
descends. Take the left fork for the detour to Chao dos
Terreiros. (Going right here to head back to Fontes shortens
the walk but it would be a pity to miss the wonderful views
from the summit). Pass the gate using the stile carefully as
its construction does not give the walker confidence about
its strenght! Continue on the path around another gate and
on until you reach a grassy col where the path is none to
clear but is marked with some cairs. The path bears left and
then right to the obvious summit covered in bracken and
brome. There is a trig point but the brome shields it from
view. The views, in all directions, include Funchal harbour,
Curral das Freiras and most of the mountains of the
wonderful central massif.
3. Retrace the route back to the junction at point 2, looking
out for cattle fitted with Alpine type bells. Turn sharp left at
the junction to continue to steady descent, largely through
woodland, passing two cattle grids and an open cattle gate.
Pass the Posto Florestal Trompica house before reaching a
concrete road bypassing a large ‘waterworks’. Go straight
ahead along the road. As the road bears right, Fontes comes
into view.
4. Join a public road ‘Estrada das Fontes’, turning right.
Cross the bridge over a dry stream bed before rising to
the left to pass through the lower part of the village, soon
reaching the starting point.
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Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.
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