 Monte Gordo Rª dos Calhaus Tope Matin' Fragata
The Legend tells you what the arrows í mean and how the terms "right" and "left" are used. |
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Outline of Tracks
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One of the most beautiful high-altitude tracks connects the basis of Monte Gordo to Fragata. In its first part already, the most beautiful forests of Eucalyptus and pine trees accompany the track. Where there is a little farmhouse, coffée is produced. Later the path slides down the north-western slopes of the volcanic cone to the nearly-abandoned village of Rª dos Calhaus. Limited ascents give access to the triangle between a group of north-western summits, Topona, Tope Moca and Tope Matin’. Beautiful slope-meadows and the panorama of the unpopulated minor islands of Raso, Branco and Santa Luzia invite for a rest. Hard to discover for the naked eye is a tiny little dragon tree on top of Tope Matin’. A steep but safe descent leads down to a crossing of paths in Rª da Fragata, from where there are three alternatives to finish the full-day excursion: Fajã (203), Praia Branca (204) and Rª Prata (205). Staring point is the depression of Caldeirinha on the basis of Monte Gordo, where the path to the top starts. [GORD05] (1048m) The forest road continues horizontally ë , passes by a farmhouse and changes into a mule-track through the light forests before reaching a pass at the western slopes of Monte Gordo. [GORD23] (1027m) The horizontal paths around Monte Deserto should not seduce one for more than a photo-excursion with staggering views into the gorges. A major path circles down in serpentines ë to Rª dos Calhaus. In the centre of the village [CALHAU] (770m) one has to cross the Ribeira é and climb the opposite shoulder ë of the hill in order to reach a horizontal peace of way ç under eucalyptus trees of about 500 m. At the following crossing [CALH02] (we) chose the ascent é and reach the pass 100m of altitude higher. [CALH03] (871m) |
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The descent to a crossing in the upper third of Rª
da Fragata is rather steep but safe. [FRAG11] (590m)
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