Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira Funda (Meia légua)
Advanced · v4a3 II
Rappels: 6 · Max waterfall: 90 m · Min rope: 55 m
A very vertical canyon with a 90 m drop but unengaging banks and vegetation and, unfortunately, a lot of rubbish: dirty water is usual for this stream, and autumn rains bring in fresh rubbish. If the trees between R2 and R3 were cut it would be the Level 5 canyon to go to on rainy days. Six people can complete it in about 2 h.
Current status
As of December 2024More rubbish in the riverbed than in February 2024; some vegetation cleared between R2 and R3; the passage after the last waterfall is more or less free.
Season and flow
Flow is easy to check from the supermarket car park. The canyon is dry in dry spells (March, low in June); it carries some water after rain in November, good flow after rain in October, and strong but manageable flow after rain in November. The best time is after rainy days but without too much water, since the enclosed sections can become dangerous.
Anchors and re-equipment
The topo was corrected in October 2014 and updated in February 2018, when the zinc-plated gear was found corroded, especially at R1 and R6, and needed replacing. A rope ring at R7 eases the approach. In February 2024 a hidden bolt was added river right at the slippery start, an inox bolt for the R3 handrail and two more for a handrail on the big drop (R5) river right. In April 2024 further anchors were added, with one more visit still needed to finish and update the topo. Since June 2024 there is a new anchor "R1" D 15 m just after the access bridge; at R3 the hole is drilled but the parabolt is still to be placed and the backup chain tightened; the other anchors are in good order.
Access and exit
Approach about 25 min; an alternative entry from the top at Eira do Mourão via steep stairs offers great views and a 150 m descent. The return walk in the riverbed was clear of vegetation in February 2024 and more or less free after the last waterfall in December 2024; some clearing has been done between R2 and R3.
Official notes
Despite water-quality concerns the canyon is "an excellent challenge in verticality". The flow must be monitored, as the valley morphology makes it impossible on rainy days. At R1 the handrail should be rigged on a tall, set-back tree because of the risk of equipment theft. At R6 there is old equipment on the rock; look for the anchor 1 m lower.
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.