PR 6.3 - Vereda da Lagoa do Vento

The Vereda da Lagoa do Vento is one of the alternative routes in the Rabaçal area, and it is normally not the first choice for first-time visitors. Starting about 200 metres from the Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal, the Vereda da Lagoa do Vento begins next to the path that links to Estrada Regional n.º 105. Access is the same as if you were going to the 25 Fontes (or Risco) from the E.R. 105 (former E.R. 110), from which you begin the descent to the Posto Florestal do Rabaçal. If you wish, you can use the transport service provided by the Município da Calheta that runs to the reference starting point: the Posto Florestal do Rabaçal. The distance between the trailhead and the Posto Florestal do Rabaçal is about 2 KM; the transport costs €3 for a one-way trip and €5 for a return trip. If you choose public transport for the descent, once you arrive at the Posto Florestal you will need to climb about 300 metres to an unmarked trail on your left.
The route to the Lagoa do Vento runs roughly parallel to the Levada do Risco, although there is no watercourse alongside it. It is a 1.8 km route (3.6 km round trip) with an estimated duration of 1h30, and it will take you to a place of unusual beauty. Located in a transition zone between high-altitude heathland (urzal) and the Laurissilva forest, the richness of the Vereda da Lagoa do Vento's flora is striking. The trail is of easy difficulty. You will encounter species such as uveira da serra (Vaccinium padifolium) and loureiro (Laurus novocanariensis), for example.
After about 1,600 metres on the Vereda da Lagoa do Vento, you will reach a junction of two paths. To the right is the path that links to the Levada do Alecrim; to the left is the one that leads to the majestic Lagoa do Vento. Take the opportunity to regain your strength for the return and to enjoy the sounds that only mother nature provides. This basin is formed by the waters of the Ribeira do Lajeado, which here plunge over the escarpment. Take a moment to recharge to the sound of the falling water. Afterwards, you can return along the Vereda da Lagoa do Vento, or access Estrada Regional n.º 105 via the Levada do Alecrim (PR 6.2).
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