The Sunday Social Walks are free events for Madrugada Members and their guests. They have been introduced as part of the Madrugada Membership Programme to:
• Develop a social network
• Explore and enjoy the Algarve’s beautiful and diverse scenery, culture and heritage
• Promote a healthy and active lifestyle
• Raise awareness and support for Madrugada

 

Meeting Details

• Meeting point – Mexilhoeira Grande train station, off the N125, between Lagos and Portimao. At the roundabout for Mexilhoeira Grande take the exit for the train station (directly opposite the turning for the village), cross over the trainline and turn immediately left, where the train station is a short distance down this track. The parking here is limited so you may prefer to park in the village and walk across the road to the meeting point.
• Time – from 9.15am, to allow time to sign-in. The walk will head out from the train station at 9.30am.
• Facilities – unfortunately, there are no facilities at this meeting point or on the walk (there are cafes and small grocery stores in Mexilhoeira Grande village).

 

Walk Details

• Walk leader – Gilly Grateley, Madrugada member and volunteer.
• Distance – the walk is approx. 7kms long, it is a circular walk (starting and ending at Mexilhoeira Grande train station).
• Pace – it should take approx. 2 hours to complete, including short stops to take on water and gather the pack.
• Terrain – a lovely and easy walk on a mixture of village roads and dirt paths, mainly flat with one small incline.
• The route – follows a marked route around an area known as Quinta da Rocha. It is a small peninsula along the Ria de Alvor, where we will pass agricultural fields and ancient dryland orchards. We will also walk along a single track around the lagoon system, with mudflats and re-naturalised old salt pans. The salt marsh vegetation makes this is a great spot for observing wetland and farmland birds - we will pass by ‘A Rocha,’ a conservation and environmental protection organisation which usually displays a board listing the different species they have recently spotted in this area.
• Essential equipment – drinking water and good/appropriate footwear.
• Recommended walking equipment includes – (depending on the weather) sun cream, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, layers for warmth and a waterproof coat. For some a walking stick is a good idea, especially on walks with sharper climbs or descents.

 

Etiquette

• The walks are free social meetups, led by a volunteer and those attending will be expected to assume responsibility for their own transport, equipment, health, walking ability, liability, refreshments, guests, dogs etc. – participants will be asked to complete a registration sheet before their first walk, which will include a liability waiver.
• Members are welcome to bring guests, which we hope will encourage them to sign up for membership and walk with us again.
• Well behaved dogs are welcome and will be the responsibility of their owner.

 

We look forward to seeing you, regards, Madrugada AG.