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Things to do in the Algarve, Portugal
Let's walk.................on the West Coast
It was lucky to be on one of the rare fine dry days in early May, when an assorted group of English (ex pats living in the Algarve, and holiday makers), Dutch and Belgian walkers met at the  entrance to “Perimeto Florestal” near Vila do Bispo, for what was to be a 3 hour walk through some of the beautiful countryside and clifftops of the Cape St Vincent national park.
Julie Statham's book -“Let's Walk - in the Algarve”, is often used by visitors and residents alike as a source of interesting and well planned walks, which take you into the often unseen parts of the Algarve.
Apart from the height of the summer when it can be a bit hot for walks, organised walks, for which a donation to charity is expected, are arranged weekly and led either by Julie herself, or, as on this walk, by Peter Lammin.
 16 cars parked up and a group of about 30 walkers milled around getting to know one another before Peter called us to order and set off north and then west, down a dusty track. This soon led to a beautiful area of unspoiled valleys and rolling hills, covered with a wonderful carpet of wild flowers of every colour you can imagine - pink and white rock roses, wild scabious, broom, gorse, bright red wild sweet peas, lavender and those unbelievably bright blue flowers that I know as “heavenly blue” (don't know the proper name). The smell of cistus everywhere, the bird song, so many different flowers and  trees, meant you didn't know where to look next. Until, that is, we crested quite a steep incline and looked down a valley to the west coast and Praia da Barriga.
Distance is deceiving and it took quite a while and a stop for a rest, before we reached the beach. There were acres of sand and, until we got there, only one other guy (fishing from the rocks) in sight. After posing for photos, a rest and a chat, off we set along the beach heading south. Thanks to Peter's knowledge of timing and tides, we were able to walk for about half an hour down the  beach and around headlands to arrive at Cordoama. (Shame the little café was closed).
Here we turned inland and slowly started a steep climb which just seemed to go on and on. As soon as we though we were at the top, another crest appeared and off we went again. Frequent rests were called for and back markers were rounded up and returned to the group by Peter. At last it levelled out but it also signalled a return to our starting point. With aching legs, much pleasure was expressed to return to the cars, but I  guess it was short lived, and on reflection everyone would remember a wonderful experience and one they would not have missed for anything.
As with all Julie's walks, you do need to go prepared. Sensible shoes, a hat, a supply of water and some sun  cream are a must. Some people have the complete walking kit and others, (like me), turn up in shorts and tee shirt.
The walks are purely for enjoyment and not intended to achieve great distance or personal targets. There is always an indication of time, distance and difficulty printed with the notice of the walk, in “Portugal News”, and if you need to talk to someone first, there is always a contact number. So, next time you fancy seeing parts of the Algarve you didn't know were there, look in Portugal News and go on the next organised walk.
Jackie and Tony on the West Coast. May 7th 2008
Editors note: The Let's walk - in the Algarve programme is also published in the Algarve Retreats Newsletter
Would you like more suggestions? Take a look at our Things to do in the Algarve and Places to go in the Algarve sections for loads of ideas of what to do and where to go
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