Jo’s Monday walk : Benafim to Alte

I’m back in the Algarve for my last walk of the year.  Santa’s been, and I couldn’t ask for more.  It’s been an amazing year!  I’m taking you back into those hills that I love, to a tiny village called Benafim.  We are joining a group of choir singers for one of my nicest ever walking experiences.

The landscape is beautiful, with Rocha de Pena looming quietly in the background.  We meet our small group, mostly Portuguese, with uncertain smiles- an opportunity to practise the language- and set off through the village.  One of the group is carrying a toddler on his back, and an elderly gent relies heavily on his stick, so we know the pace will not be fast.  There are a couple of Scandinavians, who chat easily with us in fluent English.

Christmas is just around the corner and we observe the signs of celebration in the village.  It’s not a long walk, just 6.2km to the next village, Alte, but the gradient is steep in places.  Our guide is well aware of the limitations of the party, and stops at intervals to point out plants of interest.  Medicinal herbs and remedies, and one that was used in these hills before soap was widely available.  It’s warm, but with plenty of cloud cover.  There’s little shade up here in the heights.  We are following a short stretch of the Via Algarviana, which reaches end to end, the length of the Algarve.  We puzzle over some symbols on a rock- a message we don’t understand.

At the outset, we were asked if we would like a meal after the walk.  We are walking with some members of a choral group called Ossónoba.  Afterwards they will perform in the church in Alte, and we will be ‘very welcome’ to join them.  It seems like too good an opportunity to miss.

All are working up a healthy appetite when finally the rugged path levels, and we gaze down into a valley.  Alte is not far away, and it’s all downhill from here.  In the village, the sight of Singer sewing machines doubling as picnic tables makes me smile.

A hint of Autumn?  Yet it feels more like Spring.  We have been wondering how we will get back to Benafim, but this problem is easily solved.  A minivan takes the drivers back to collect our cars and bring them to Alte.  The rest of us proceed to the hotel, squeezing into the minivan with the excitedly chattering, choir members.  An elegant table awaits.

High on a hill, above the village, Hotel Alte is obviously used to hosting parties.  As we wait, a coach pulls into the car park and disgorges the rest of the choir, smartly attired in black and white.  Our walking friends  disappear off to the toilets, emerging transformed.  The choir are 40 strong!  Three of them sit at our table, and proceed to talk about their life, while we dine, very well indeed.  Meal over, we are treated to a rousing number, to stretch those vocal chords, before they all pile back onto the coach.  The best voice?  Our richly baritoned, minivan driver!

Is it any wonder that I love this village?  Still to come is the Christmas concert.  I had never been inside the church, so yet another treat in store.  The choir sings its heart out, in several languages; first surrounding us in the body of the church, and then from the gallery above.

Just down the road, Baltazar cocks an ear in his stable, and we drive contentedly home into the sunset.

Grupo Coral Ossónoba travel around Portugal (and occasionally abroad) performing.  Our walk together was a collaboration to promote the Via Algarviana.  Needless to say, we hope to take part in another, in the New Year.  We had a wonderful time.

walking logo

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, but even more than that, I hope that the year to come is kind to us.  And maybe you’ll join me in another Jo’s Monday walk?  You’ll be more than welcome.

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I’m sure Jackie ate her share of festive food, aren’t you?

Holiday Cheer

Natalie started the holidays with a list.  Check out how she did!

Checking Off my Holiday Fun List

I’m always happy to admire this nation’s Capital, so thanks, Sandra :

Sidewalks and Tile – #Portugal

There’s nowhere Nicole would rather be than in the mountains :

Unforgettable Hikes along the Tour de Mont Blanc : Hike from Col des Montets to Lac Blanc

And such a nice atmosphere on the streets, with Drake :

Last Saturday street mood

Not much deters Becky when she feels like a walk :

We got nothing except seaweed

Margaret and Zoe were more than happy, just playing with bubbles :

Winter Walking on the South Bank

And not squidging in mud!

A Sunday walk, Accompanied by Thirteen Dogs

Let’s end with something a little more exotic, from Cathy :

Rick’s Café & a walking tour of Central Casablanca

Happy New Year to you all!  I shan’t be writing a review of the year, but I expect I’ll look back, as well as forward.  Thanks for your company!

116 comments

    1. There seem to be lots of them about. It’s a long, long time ago but I can still ‘hear’ the sound of Mam at the treddle (is that the right word? Looks odd! 😦 ) Happy New Year, darlin!

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  5. Two hours to go until the New Year comes crashing into my life and I’ve just finished reading your post. I feel I must write mu last ‘thanks’ for 2019 for all the delightful places you have taken us to this year, for the villages, the statues, the flowers, and the cakes! Thanks, Jo, for a journey which I enjoyed so much with you.

    And now I only have to wish you a very happy new year, all health and good fellowship in your adopted country, good walking, good eating, and above all, good friendships to help make life sweet. And now for my first g&t of the evening (but not my last) as I hear friends outside my door.

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  8. What a wonderful walk, with perfect weather and music and a fabulous meal on top of that. I love the Singer sewing machine tables. The perfect walk to end the year, Jo! Thanks for the link, and Happy New Year! 🙂

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    1. I’ve started drinking much too early, Cathy. Mick’s fault! We’re hosting the end of a safari party this evening and he wanted a lunch stop. NO will power! 😔 🥂🎉💕

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      1. I say there is nothing better to do on New Year’s Eve, Jo! No will power is necessary. Enjoy yourself, and have one for me. We’re not drinking much in my house these days, sad to say. It’s for the best though, for now. Will you be able to say up till midnight? 🙂

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  10. You’re back in the Algarve then you jetsetter? Hope you had a great trip to Leeds, the walk here looks lovely. Much nicer weather isn’t it? Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve Jo, and whatever you do don’t let yourself down and behave !

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    1. Only gone 3 days, Jonno, and I was going to be good today. BUT my husband just bought me a lunchtime glass of white 😔. Sitting in the sun pretending to ignore it. All the very best in 2020, hon 🥂💕

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  11. Oh goodness… my late husband, whose taste ran to antiques had that same Singer base that we used for a table out in the yard. That was certainly a flash from my past.

    Thanks for the lovely walk… looking forward to some more in the coming year. May 2020 be even better than this one in every way!

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    1. That’s a good wish, Gunta! 🙂 🙂 And it’s amazing how many of these bases made their way into everyday use after the demise of the Singer machine. I love them! Healthy, happy 2020 to you!

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  14. You’ve shared so much that identifies the hospitality of these wonderful people, Jo. The invitation to share in a meal, and the wonder, in my book, at sending others to retrieve your cars? I must say that I’m impressed. I’ve grown accustomed to expecting the beauty of the Algarve, but I’m delighted when you share more of the culture and the delight of the people themselves. What a wonderful way to round out a year of so many new experiences. Lovely, Jo!

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    1. We weren’t sure how well we would fit in, Debbie, and how much of a problem the language would be. The Portuguese are normally quite reserved, but once you make the effort they are often happy to chat. Of course, this is invariably in English, despite our best efforts! New Year’s resolutions- to work harder at the language, and to be kind (I do have a sharp tongue, on occasion 😦 ). Wishing you health more than wealth, hon! Happy 2020! 🙂 🙂

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  15. Love the countryside you take us to Jo, and that is a splendidly laid table. Seems like you are still finding new things to join in with. Get yourself into a choir! You only live once! Thank you for all the wonderful walks you take us on during the year and the many more you share with us. I don’t seem to have done much walking this year except very locally. Hope to change that next year. Wishing you and Mick a wonderful, happy and healthy year ahead. And have you bought the hat yet? 👒 😃

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    1. Bought it? I’ve almost worn it out! Have to look for a new one in the January sales 🙂 🙂 Which reminds me- I could do with a coffee machine- any recommendations? Our neighbour kindly lent me her Nespresso while she’s visiting her daughter in NZ, but I’m not very impressed, and very good at breaking things so it mustn’t be too complicated 🙂 And some white jeans for croquet, and I’m always wearing shoes out… Heavens, I’m becoming high maintenance! 🙂 But at least I can still laugh at myself. A very happy, and more fulfilling New Year, Jude, but most of all, a healthy one! We all know what’s important at our age. Sending hugs, darlin!

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  17. A wonderful walk, Jo. You have got me looking forward to Spring already!
    I’ll be back with some more walks soon, and, of course, I wish you the happiest and healthiest of New Years

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  19. Such a delightful walk, Jo, with beautiful scenery, good company, good music, and good food. Thank you for mentioning my post. Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy 2020!

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  20. Pingback: Not that boring | Le Drake Noir

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