Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira dos Pregos
Extreme · v6a4 III
Rappels: 8 · Max waterfall: 125 m · Min rope: 70 m
Pregos is an interesting but serious canyon (v6a4) dominated by a 125 m waterfall and by landslides: there are many slides along the route, two of them of enormous size.
Current status
As of July 2023All anchors doubled but equipping not yet complete (C4 needs a deviation or an alternative on poor rock); careful rope retrieval required; multiple large landslides along the route; trail access available instead of the bridge.
Anchors and re-equipment
In November 2021 the remains of the original exploration were still in place: a damaged anchor at the top of the C125, a rebelay about 40 m down and a point on C3 in good condition; several new single (non-duplicated) points were placed to allow a safe descent. In May 2023 all anchors were duplicated using exploration-grade material, but one or two more points are still needed for the canyon to be fully operational: in particular a deviation or another solution for the C4 anchor.
Hazards
Rock quality is a persistent problem: there is no solid rock at C5, and the rock at the C4 anchor is of very poor quality. Care is needed when retrieving the rope, and there is a risk of rockfall on some rappels.
Access and exit
There is a trail into the canyon that avoids having to descend from the bridge.
Official notes
Landslides are evident on both banks along the whole descent. There is also a risk of rockfall on some rappels.
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.