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 – on the carpark in front of the Café Descansa Pernas; follow signs to Monchique, once in the centre of town at the traffic lights just passed Velochique café, keep right on the N266, pass the Bombeiros on your left and the café/carpark will be on your right (next to the Monchique Heliport).
• Time –the walk will head out at 9.45am.
• Facilities - there is ample parking around the centre of Monchique, including this car park and off-road parking on the approach road. Unfortunately this café is not open on Sundays, but there are others and facilities in the town that will be open. Please note there is no access to public toilets on the walk.

 

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 the carpark meeting point, a short distance from the centre of Monchique town.
• Pace – it should take approx. 2/2.5 hours to complete, including short stops to take on water and gather the pack.
• Terrain – mainly narrow lanes/access roads and some trails, with a short scramble and a water crossing.
• The route – takes us from the edge of Monchique town down the valley to the water crossing and back up. The first half is a short section of downhill road to a turning onto a trail which gradually descends for approx. 2kms to a short scramble down a single track and a steppingstones water crossing. This is the most challenging part of the walk but is not difficult and we stick together to ensure everyone has a helping hand if needed. As you would expect, the second half of the walk is a short scramble up to a lane and from there it is a gradual climb back to the main road and carpark. On this route we walk amongst the cork oaks and eucalyptus and can enjoy the great vistas across the mountain valley with views of Picota; there are agricultural small holdings growing a wide range fruits and vegetables and the area has special protection status important eagle populations.
• Essential equipment – drinking water and good/appropriate footwear.
• Recommended equipment includes – (depending on the weather) sun cream, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, layers for warmth, a waterproof coat, spare socks! 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 the walk, which will include a liability waiver.
• Members are welcome to bring guests, which we hope will encourage them to support Madrugada 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.