The premise looked interesting - a walk from Vale de Telha around the Ribat da Arrifana, where there were some archaeological vestiges of an Arabic Convent cum Fortaleza, a succession of three mosques and a minaret, most of which are just identified from their foundations, and a necropolis.
All this was abandoned in about 1150, but since, in the 14th Century the minaret site was used as an 'Atalaia' (watchtower) and much later a Fiscal Post, all of which are in ruins.
Of more interest to me was that this was the site of the 1943 battle of Atalaia in which a Beaufighter from 248 Squadron downed a Focke Wulf Condor of the 1st Kampfgeschwader 40, which had been attacking one of our convoys heading for the Mediterranean. A version of the story can be found HERE
The track. By the time we reached the archaeological site, my ankle was twinging thanks to the soft sand paths and uneven stony surface on the cliffs, so I made a beeline back to the car, while Dina and Myriam continued for a further hour and saw all the good bits.
We met at the Hotel Roundabout in Vale de Telha, whose coordinates were passed on in the Cartaz.
In fact after arriving just before 0945, and not expecting to see anyone for at least half an hour, we were pleasantly surprised to find all participants at a cafe just off the roundabout getting organised under the leader of the day, Elsa. Joao Santos, who knew the area best, was unfortunately not well, so it befell Elsa to stand in. The only other member of Almargem who we regularly see was Edgar who has an interest in botany. There were 10 of us altogether.
We set off by car to the starting point. Unfortunately we had several false starts and a complete tour of Vale de Telha, as Elsa was unsure of the road route! Anyway we got to the designated car park at about 1030 and set off through the coastal scrub on soft sandy paths which were quite tiring. Too tiring for one younger lady, who had equipped herself in designer sandals, not even walking sandals, and after about 1 km decided the scratches on her legs and sand in her sandals were too much and turned back.
Land navigation was successful and we reached the coast after about 3 km cross country.
I had decided to divert myself by checking out some geocaches in the area entitled Vale de Telha Cliff Walk series, some of which coincided with our path. I found 2 of the 3 I looked for so it was a good day!.
Geocaching - off piste.
Panorama seaview near Medo da Fonte Santa
This route was now part of the Rota S, Vicentina, and they had thoughtfully provided some wooden decking over some swampy bits.
Vicentina Waypost.
Useful boardwalk
Signing a geocache logbook. Elsa the Leader is also a geocacher as is Dina
We reached the Miradouro overlooking Pedra da Atalaia after about 4.8km and toured the not very impressive archaeological remains, some of which were behind a wire fence. The glorious seascapes were far more impressive.
Remains of the Fiscal Post
At this point I made my excuses and headed back to the car - but not without one last photo of Pedra da Atalaia in all its glory.
Our Hero about to go it alone
Myriam and Dina carried on, but came back with very few pictures.
A memorial stone to the 7 German aircrew lost during the Battle of Atalaia . They are buried in the cemetery at Aljezur, and in 2013 there was a ceremony to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of their loss.
Not a large memorial.
After we all got back to the starting point by about 1415 hours - considerably later than planned, Elsa and Co. decided that the Vale de Telha restaurants were not good enough for a quick lunch so convoyed to one in Aljezur they claimed they knew. Alas it was far too much trouble for the lady to cook for us at that time of a Saturday, and I was getting desperately thin, having foregone breakfast, so we headed back to Moinho de Legua on the Aljezur -Lagos road, where we had a lunch before.
Not gourmet Portuguese cuisine but it hit the spot!
and a wicked brand of Piri Piri to enhance the flavours!!
Paladin 'Bastard' PiriPiri - dangerously picant!! And it was!
Myriam seemed happy enough with a large plate of the house pasta which did her for dinner the next night too.
and Dina seemed happy enough with the Specialite de la Maison, though she didn't finish her chips!
This could be a future WAGS walk if there is interest, and if the participants don't mind walking in sand for about 70% - or wear their Camel boots!
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