Ribeira das Feitas

Normal for the season in August; weak in September and July; almost nil at the start but stronger lower down in December, when works on the levada can turn the water turbid and brownish; moderate after a day of rain in December.

The canyon has a long history of re-equipping. In April 2013 natural anchors were replaced and pitons placed at R13. In August 2015 more natural anchors were replaced; the R11 fractionation had disappeared, so R11 had to be rappelled direct with some rub; the R15 hangers were gone, replaced by a tree high on the left bank; R16 has a hanger in the water but a well-placed tree on the right bank is preferable. In December 2018 the maillons at R1 and R3 were heavily oxidised and needed replacing; R4 was missing (rope and maillon placed on a right-bank tree at a similar distance); R5 was missing but easily downclimbed; R7 was missing, with a right-bank tree used instead; the R10 anchor was replaced and the R13 rope and maillon renewed. In September 2020 anchors were replaced and new stainless ones added, some with only one bolt placed but holes already drilled for doubling. By December 2023 all mechanical anchors were in good condition, but every tree anchor with rope and maillon needed replacing without exception. In July 2024 the canyon was completely re-equipped with stainless mechanical anchors except R7 and R8 (technical problem), and the sketch was updated.

Access. From the Bica da Cana car park climb parallel to the park to a path descending on the right, which joins a more marked trail down to the levada; turn right along the levada, pass a waterfall, and the canyon entrance is a little further on in a more open, descendable area (some brambles were cleared to reach the first anchor). The access path tends to have vegetation in its initial part; a rope end on a tree below levada level marks the entry, which is very slippery.

Exit. Right bank straight after the last waterfall, following a water intake to the Levada do Norte; turn right, pass two long tunnels, then left towards Encumeada where the second car is left. When the Encumeada road is closed, as it was in July 2024, the car shuttle becomes almost 40 km (55 min).