Ribeira da Soca

Normal flow with slightly dirty water in August; at low flow the R5 step can be downclimbed.

All the equipment was revised in June 2022 and left in excellent condition. In August 2024 the anchors were OK, with some replaced including R3; R5 (whose anchor had earlier been missing, with a well-placed rock in the centre of the waterfall used instead) had still not been replaced but is downclimbable at low flow; the C130 anchors were in good condition. In August 2026 a chair-sized rock broke away next to the last fractionated stance: a rockfall warning for the big pitch.

Access. The approach path is the crux of the trip and is repeatedly overgrown. It was cleared in April 2018 but has closed in again with dense vegetation; tree markings are very important (descend the path, then follow another path with a sort of earthen levada to reach the first mark). With a GPS track it is relatively easy to find when recently cleared, but in August 2024 it was extremely difficult, with the trail lost near the start and a descent through farmland, and in August 2026 it was still very closed, requiring a rappel to get into the canyon even when following a track. A machete or brush hook is advised for both access and exit.

Exit. The exit path leads to Quinta do Furão. It is periodically overgrown (a parallel, also overgrown path with a cairn exists), but was clean and in good condition in June 2022. The climb out is one of the most demanding in Madeira: the trail start is marked by a roughly 4 m iron post with a fishing buoy on top, and the path is visible but some parts are very exposed. An unexplored path on the right bank may lead back to the start point. At low tide it may be possible to exit to Rocha do Navio and take the cable car up.