Jo’s Monday walk : Rocha Delicada

img_4004

I’m sharing another walk from the Walking Trails of the Algarve this week.  You’ll find Rocha Delicada, or Elegant Rock, on page 30 of the guide. This is a bit of a walk on the wild side, but I think my bird watching friends will love it, and I loved the variety of the landscape.

It’s very easy to tootle past the exit on E125 for Mexilhoeira Grande railway station, where the walk begins.  I know, because we did.  Faded grandeur is too kind an expression to describe the station, reached along a bumpy track, but do persevere.  It gets better.

img_4053

That’s Mexilhoeira Grande, over the wall, but you won’t go anywhere near it.  Instead you cross the railway tracks and follow the signs. It’s an 8km circular walk, following the edge of the salt marshes out to the estuary of the Ria de Alvor.

As usually happens, the dog barks ferociously, but wags his tail at the intruders.  An equestrian centre is something of a surprise, as are the snails adorning the wayside shrubs.  The ripe figs are no surprise at all.  And then you’re out amid the salt marshes.

Did you spot my heron friend?  He kept trying to give me the slip but I was persistent.  I wasn’t so lucky with the red dragonflies, flitting always just beyond my focus.  And then the landscape opens out in a broad sweep, right across to Praia de Alvor.  It’s a mesmerising sight.  All along the shore couples, families and solitary pickers spend back-breaking hours collecting shellfish.

img_4009

img_4012

img_4014Because it’s so flat you can see for miles.  All the way back to Mexilhoeira Grande, and across the lagoon to the resort of Alvor.  During the autumn and winter migrations there are large numbers of waders and passerines.  I gather that raptors pass through, but I can’t claim to have spotted peregrine falcons, kestrels or little owls.  My partner has much better eyesight.  I make do with heron.

img_4026

The shellfish seekers stay out until the tide rolls in.  Far in the distance, my partner spots a sight that amuses him greatly.  It’s very warm for October and a parasol flutters, providing just enough shade for the dog, while his owner works.

The walk is now heading directly towards Rocha Delicada and I wonder how steep it will be to climb.  My attention is temporarily diverted by a flock of flamingos, initially just specks in the distance.  I half expect them to fly away at my approach but I’m able to get quite close.

img_4030

img_4029

img_4031

One adventurer steps out determinedly, in search of better foraging.  After a slight hesitation, the others follow.  I watch, fascinated.

img_4034

I’m not on my own because a number of cars are parked at the back of the marshes, to observe the birds.  As often happens, we could have driven to this point, but where would be the fun in that?  I’m slightly relieved, though, to find that access to the Rocha itself is prohibited.  The walk returns over gently undulating farmland, with the odd sympathetic ruin for company.

There’s still a little excitement en route.  A small plane circles overhead, discharging paragliders as it goes.  We pass the aerodrome on our way back to the E125.  ‘Maybe next time?’ I ask.  ‘No way’ says the husband.  But think of the view!

I’m half tempted to take you into Alvor, across the estuary.  There’s a wonderful boardwalk to enjoy, after you’ve had a bite to eat on the waterfront. That’s what we did, but perhaps I should save it for another day.  If you go looking for it, the Mexilhoeira Grande station turn off is on the E125, between Portimao and Lagos.

walking logo

Once again I’d like to say thanks for all the good wishes and kindness since Dad died.  It’s slowly becoming real to me, but I’m lucky.  I have so many happy memories.

There’s a bumper crop of walks for you this week.  Please take time to read and share.  As always you can join in if you’d like.  Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.  Many thanks to all of you for taking part.

………………………………………………………………………………….

Meg shares so much beauty in this post.  You won’t be able to resist :

Poland- a land of folklore?

I really like Violet’s sculptures.  Well, not hers personally… you’ll see what I mean :

Corydon Avenue

Chairlifts, mountains and marmots- another winner from Anabel :

Grand Teton National Park

I’ve seen many sunrises but I’d love to see one in Yosemite.  Thanks, Biti!

Sunrise in Yosemite

I’m a sucker for a lovely garden, as Becky very well knows :

There are so many trails to explore

And while I’m down south, how about an outing with a Rusty Duck?

Blown Away At Boscastle

Geoff and Dog- the perfect partnership :

Woolwich to Grove Park#capitalring#walking

Kathryn takes the kids for a bit of a jaunt.  Why not join her?

Winters, CA

How well do you know Wellington, NZ?  Let Amanda show you some highlights :

Te Papa, Beach and Wind Walk

Drake knows Alsace pretty well.  Such atmosphere in these wonderful ruins!

Left the door open

Adding a little drama and adventure to the walks, don’t miss Jill’s latest episode :

Night time jungle walk, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

And there’s always space here for Becky.  This is a less well known bit of Lisbon :

Take a walk in the park

Still following Susan’s wanderings, but I’m a little behind :

Walking Helsinki, Finland 

That’s it for now.  Happy Halloween to you!  Hoping you have a great week.

 

112 comments

    1. Do you know, I seldom think of ‘pinching’ one from the wayside. I’m usually too busy trying to get the background right for my shot. Isn’t that dedication, Ann? Next time! 🙂 🙂 Are things ok with you?

      Like

      Reply

  2. That is an enjoyable walk under the beautiful blue sky. Some remarkable photos here.
    Thank you, Jo for making such a beautiful post for us to enjoy during the difficult time.
    Take care.

    Like

    Reply

  4. It’s so tranquil Jo, and so much to see. I always envy Becky’s flamingo sightings, I’d love to see them in the wild. There’s no risk from the tides for the shell seekers there then? I used to love picking cockles at the estuary when I was a little girl, and we even went when mine were little, could never eat thmn though! I had to check the amp and see this is way out west, quite a drive for you. Portugal is rather tempting for another trip, but maybe further north needs to be explored.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. The tide comes in pretty slowly, Gilly, so there’s plenty of warning. I’m not sure how high up the estuary it gets. It’s about an hour’s drive, which isn’t bad, is it? Getting to Sagres at the far end only takes about another 40 minutes, so the area isn’t huge. I love to go up the west coast if I can but that definitely needs more time. I can’t abide shellfish so it’s totally wasted on me but some of these poor souls just about live on them. So nice to have you around again, Gilly. Take good care of yourself. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  6. What a nice hike! I love when you can walk along the water. It should be interesting to collect shellfish on this places. I wonder what you can find! #WordlessWednesday

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. This is such a gorgeous walk and all those birds as a bonus. Reviewing the memories of your father is so important- 15 years since my father passed and I’m still delighted that he sometimes visits in my dreams.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Pingback: Wheal Coates UNESCO Tin Mine, Cornwall | Jaspa's Journal
  11. Pingback: All Gold On All Hallows’ Eve In Bishop’s Castle – Tish Farrell

  13. Jo I have been thinking of you and the loss of your Dad. So glad to hear that the special memories are bringing you comfort. I very much enjoyed this walk and didn’t huff or puff once. Perhaps I shall join you and we can take a try with the parachutes?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. Pingback: Jo’s-Monday-Walk – WoollyMuses

  16. It looks such a beautiful area Jo – so peaceful 🙂 Obviously a birds’ paradise too – you did well to capture as many photos as you did! The weather looks stunning too considering it was autumn! Sending thoughts your way this week xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.