Wild coastal scenes from Boca de Risco pass

A fine introduction to Madeira , 9 miles or so walking along a levada then up towards Boca de Risco passing through many terraced gardens growing sweet potatoes, squashes, sugar cane, vines and fruit.

This expansive view opened up as we crossed the pass and was on our right for several miles as we wound down the Vereda do Larano towards Porto da Cruz at sea level. Some of the walk was pretty exposed but nothing of any note and the views were far reaching and exceptional.

The Vereda do Larano is an old trade route used by wine merchants from Porto da Cruz to get their wine to Machico. Today it was quite busy, more than we expected and more than you might see on Lake District paths too

We arrived in Porto da Cruz in time for a late lunch at an excellent bar ambling back to the pickup point where we were whisked back to the hotel in about 20 minutes.

Some of us made use of the pool to relax before setting off to the Restaurant O Pescador for a fine fish supper.

We will need little rocking tonight