Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira do Folhado (Superior)
Intermediate · v3a1 II
Rappels: 12 · Max waterfall: 35 m · Min rope: 30 m
A very aesthetic canyon, and overall a very good canyon for those not looking for big verticals in the Seixal area. It starts narrow and overgrown, with brambles and many loose stones before R1, but opens up and reveals its beauty right after R3. The rock is very slippery and some downclimbs become quite difficult with a higher flow. Flow was OK on 11 February 2023.
Current status
As of February 2023Flow OK; R2 and R5 re-rigged, the other tree anchors and two piton anchors still need replacing; the entry is overgrown with loose stones.
Anchors and re-equipment
As of February 2023 the natural (tree) anchors were badly deteriorated: ropes full of vegetation and rusty maillons. Only R2 and R5 were replaced for lack of material; the rest are operational but need maintenance, and at least two more anchors on pitons must be replaced on a future descent: bring cord and maillons. R1 is about 7 m from the levada and is rappelled directly from a well-placed tree that deliberately carries no fixed anchor, probably to avoid theft.
Access and exit
Coming down from the Paul, after crossing the second tunnel the canyon start is immediately on the right: do not confuse it with the tributary further on before the third tunnel. R12 sits well to the left next to the small levada that leads to the Levada do Seixal; the surrounding vegetation was cleared in February 2023 to make it easier to spot.
Official notes
A levada controls the water flow.
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.