Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira do Folhado (Inferior)
Intermediate · v3a2 II
Rappels: 18 · Max waterfall: 33 m · Min rope: 27 m
The little secret in the Seixal area, somewhat underestimated: rappel after rappel with only a few walking sections, nice flow from the start, and a grand finale shared with the lower Hortelã. Progression is slippery with many loose rocks. Flow is normal or low most of the time (normal in October 2020, low in September 2021 and September 2022, normal after rain in February 2023); since the April 2026 landslide all the levada water now runs into the canyon, which gives the lower Folhado some extra credit.
Current status
As of April 2026The levada is blocked by a fresh landslide at the entry, there is extra water in the canyon, all bolts are in place but there are some unstable blocks and large fallen trees in the streambed.
Anchors and re-equipment
All anchors were reasonable in 2016 and good in 2020 to 2023. In November 2019 a new anchor was installed at R19 allowing the rappel over the waterfall (left bank). By September 2021 almost every anchor had been doubled, making backup easy; R9 can be skipped in favour of a downclimb. Some bolts need a wrench or a second point and a few are overgrown but findable if you know the Madeiran style of bolting. After the April 2026 landslide all bolts are still in place, though some blocks are unstable.
Hazards
Landslides and hazards. A large landslide at the canyon entrance made the levada passage difficult in February 2018; in March 2019 there was a big slide at R1 with earth, stones, branches and trees liable to give way into the canyon, though the R1 anchor was fine. On 23 April 2026 a landslide close to the entry blocked the levada completely and partly fell into the canyon; big trees lie in the riverbed and make progression more demanding: bring a saw to cut branches for those who follow.
Access and exit
Approach via the Levada do Seixal towards Hortelã Inferior or down the Lombo Barbinhas path; since the April 2026 landslide, descending the canyon itself is an alternative to walking that path. Accesses were passable in 2016.
Anchors, flow and access change with every storm and every winter. Treat the current status as a snapshot and check the latest conditions before any descent.
Technical data
Official technical sheet
Detailed data, history and technical notes are maintained by Clube Aventura da Madeira on the Canyons da Madeira website.
Nearby and similar canyons
Other sections of the same stream, canyons in the same area, and canyons of a similar grade.