Walk Monday 10 March 2025 : Silves backhills

[Geoff]

An invigorating walk through the backhills of Silves , with quite a lot of ups and downs, some quite steep, but with some lovely views. We haven't done this walk for about 6 years, and have never led a walk from this cafe before. It has all been recently recced though.

Degree of Difficulty ( scale 1:5 ) : 3, almost 4 in places... Energetic

Start:10.00 am.....but please be there by 0945 if you want a coffee and lunch.

Directions : Drive to Silves, go over bridge and turn left on N124. After about 1km, you will pass the Continente suprmarket on the right hand side. Drive another 400m and turn right, almost doubling back on yourself.
Drive straight on for about 800 m ( going past the prison, the big white block on the left with barbed wire) and take the 3rd left , just before the school and the square, drive about 300m and park on the left.

Snack-bar Victoria ( according to Google and the front sign ) or Vitoria ( according to side sign!) is a little further up on the right. Try not to park directly outside please, there is plenty of space on the left before you get there.

GPS : 37.1932177,-8.4466792

Usual caveats: all walks are at your own risk, and we do not walk if it is pouring with rain.....I will endevour to put any cancellation note on this site by 0830 on the day of the walk.

Walking boots/stout trainers , walking pole(s), hats and water recommended. No charge, of course.

Please indicate below if you can come as we will limit numbers to 20. Please also state if you want lunch.

NB. The Vitoria/Victoria is a typical Portuguese resataurant, with an all inclusive prata de dia for only 10€. The menu changes daily and we can't guarantee an English traslation of the dishes. Suffice it to say that , the other day, we had a lovely lamb stew ( ensupada de barreigo) and Sue had chicken bifanas in the oven.

[carolyn]

Hi Geoff, Carolyn & Rob for the walk & lunch. We’re back for a short visit this time - will be good to see you
Thanks !

[mikeandkaren]

Hi Geoff,

Karen and I for the walk.

Thanks,

Mike

[Don]

Hi Geoff,

Don for the walk and lunch please. Looking forward to seeing the Ramblers.

Cheers.

[Linda and Russell]

Linda and Russell for walk and lunch. Toby dog for the walk. Thanks Geoff.

[williew]

Geof

If this is the walk I am thinking of there is an easier version with no steep hills - up the road to the derelict cottage then back down through the valley.

I think your route diverts off the road to a viewing platform at the top of the hill then goes to the derelict cottage - am I correct?

I do not think Carol will manage your route but she could do the easier route as it is a regular Thursday Ladies walking route.

Would it be ok for us to join you but do the easier route?

Willie W

[Geoff]

Hi Willie
Good to see you back....yes, you are correct about route.
As its you, fine for you both to take the easy route.....might cost you a sagres though....
Bw
Geoff

[williew]

Book both of us in for our version of walk, and lunch.


Willie W

[pinkypuffin]

Jen and Zoe - Jen for lunch thank you

[Bertie8500]

Mags & dogs for the walk. Thanks

[Geoff]

The weather tomorrow is likely to be showery, but hopefully not too heavy. Keep an eye on this site tomorrow morning...in case we have to cancell, but fingers crossed.

[Geoff]

Well, it's chucking it down here in Sesmarias at the moment, but hopefully it is a shower that will pass...see you for coffee at the cafe, when hopefully it will be fine walking weather!

[mikeandkaren]

Some photos from today

[mikeandkaren]

A couple more.

[Geoff]

Great photos Mike & Karen....where is that one of me in the rain?

Anyway, we started off with fine weather...with the dogs loving the puddles...

20250310_101417.jpg (165.42 KiB) Viewed 8547 times

20250310_101259.jpg (127.76 KiB) Viewed 8547 times

But this soon changed.....most of us went for the hilly walk....see pics above...and then down thorough muddy puddles...with Karen demonstrating her jacket cooling device...

20250310_111517.jpg (68.99 KiB) Viewed 8547 times

20250310_120110.jpg (92.64 KiB) Viewed 8547 times

Back to the cafe....8.3kms, 4,2kph...elapsed time just over 2 hours

Good lunch enjoyed by 12 ( 13 walkers)....Willie at the vinho tinto again....

20250310_125658.jpg (150.88 KiB) Viewed 8547 times

20250310_131003.jpg (130.46 KiB) Viewed 8547 times

Thanks to all the brave souls who came and somehow remained cheerful despite a soaking or two...or three.....and a Very Happy Birthday to Jen....one to remember!