Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira dos Agriões
Advanced · v4a1 III
Rappels: 15 · Max waterfall: 48 m · Min rope: 50 m
Agriões is an intermediate-level canyon with very slippery progression, several technical downclimbs and some mud, normal for the area. The second part, after the levada, is the more interesting and appealing section and is strongly recommended. Of the four canyons in this location it is perhaps the least aesthetic, but it is a good choice on rainy days for those who dislike big verticals and want a mid-grade canyon. Four people take about 4 h car-to-car.
Current status
As of March 2024Running flow after rain; several tree anchors replaced but more rope and maillons needed; R14 backup spit broken; brambles cleared; slippery, technical downclimbs; best suited to rainy-day intermediate outings.
Season and flow
The flow is typically weak but continuous (March 2015, September 2016); after a few days of rain in March 2024 there was a running flow before the tributary, intensifying after it. The tributary triples the flow after the levada.
Anchors and re-equipment
In March 2015 all natural anchors had their ropes and maillons replaced; one of the R14 hangers was damaged and could not be replaced. In September 2016 some anchors were replaced but left without maillons (supply ran out); the R14 hanger was still in bad condition. In March 2024 some tree anchors were replaced again; bring rope and maillons to replace those not yet done. The backup spit at R14 is broken. The heavy bramble was cleared in 2024 and no longer hinders progression.
Access and exit
The approach is very easy and the entrance obvious, though the several watercourses in the area can make the entry hard to find: GPS coordinates are recommended (in April 2015 a group lost time this way, was slow between R2 and R3, ran out of light and exited on the old Caramujo levada). In March 2024 the exit had to be made via Encumeada because the tunnel connecting to Ginjas on the regional road was closed under an orange wind alert.
Official notes
Halfway down there is a levada from which you can exit on either the right or the left bank; the most interesting part of the canyon is the lower section.
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.