The GR 01 long-distance hiking trail TER The West trail covers the western part of the island and connects the Lagoa das Patas forest reserve and recreation park with the Mata da Serreta forest reserve and recreation park in a straight line. It is approximately 31,2 km long.
This route allows hikers to discover the rich and diverse natural, scenic, social, and cultural heritage. Along the way, one can observe a variety of landscapes, natural communities, and ecosystems, such as recreational areas, coastal cliffs, near-natural forests, and mountain regions.
The trail is divided into two stages of 21,9 km and 9,3 km in length. It is recommended to plan the hike according to your fitness level, interests, and available time. Accommodation is available in the western part of the island (local accommodations and rural facilities). Tourism), as wild camping is prohibited.
STAGE 1: LAGOA DAS PATAS – PICO BLACK
21,9 km / 7 h
This stage begins in the Lagoa das Patas forest reserve and recreation park. Follow the road towards the volcanic cone. Pico Gaspar and from there to Mistérios Negros (PRC 01 TER) to Lagoinha do Vale Fundo. We follow the old path and the forest trail north of the mountain. Descent to Lagoa do Cerro, where there is a birdwatcher's hide. We return to the starting point and continue westward. On forest paths and through hedges of Cryptomeria japonica, we ascend to Lagoinha da Serreta (PRC 03 TER), surrounded by endemic species and nestled in the slopes of the Serra de Santa Bárbara. We continue downhill along the same path, going straight ahead and crossing the pasture to the right to skirt the Ribeira do Além valley. We follow the markings to the parking area, where this stage ends. The next stage of this Grand Route connects this place to the coast, from Pico Negrão to Mata da Serreta. It is recommended to complete this stage in good weather and with good visibility, as it runs mostly at an altitude of over 500 m.
STAGE 2 – PICO NEGRÃO – MATA DA SERRETA
9,3 km / 3 h
This stage connects the Pico Negrão, with the Mata da Serreta Forest Reserve and Recreation Park, stretches for 9,3 km. It is the westernmost section of the Grand Route and has the lowest elevation. The descent begins on a paved road that leads to rocky forest paths amidst natural woodlands of New Zealand Christmas trees (Metrosideros excelsa). We cross small basalt stone fields (curraletas), formerly used for vineyards, until we reach an area with automatic lighting, a viewpoint, and a picnic area. A lighthouse once stood here, destroyed by the 1980 earthquake. The path continues along the breathtaking, steep cliffs where petrels (Calonectris borealis) nest. After a small chapel resembling the parish church of Serreta, the path continues towards the fajã, which once connected the western communities of the island, passing orchards, beehives, and livestock farms. You'll pass a picnic area with a whale-watching hide, which was once of great importance for whaling. Next, the Raminho viewpoint offers a view of the northern coastline from the cliffs. The final section of this stage leads back through the forest to the picnic area of the Mata da Serreta Forest Reserve and Recreation Park. This well-equipped picnic area, complete with a mysterious fountain, marks the end of the stage. Don't miss visiting the village center with its colorful sanctuary, church, and restaurant serving typical regional dishes.
Length: 31,2 km
Duration: 10 h
Difficulty level: difficult
Source: visitazores
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