Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira do Moinho (centro)
Extreme · v6a2 IV
Rappels: 19 · Max waterfall: 170 m · Min rope: 60 m
A brutal, very interesting but technically demanding canyon with a spectacular view over Seixal and the sea. It is not recommended for anyone without considerable experience of big waterfalls and rebelays; the walking is always extremely steep and slippery. The C140 is the most technical part because the anchors are always right in the waterline: descend with your hood up or a windbreaker; between R12 and R13 there may be no visual contact depending on flow. It is a rarely frequented and dangerous canyon because of rockfall.
Current status
As of January 2025The canyon goes in about 4h with medium flow; approach 1h15 from Paul da Serra; several tree anchors and maillons have been replaced and all anchors are as per the topo; R18 can be done direct to the bottom (about 70 m); rockfall risk is present; exit via the left-bank levada and terraces.
Season and flow
Normal flow runs from R1 (May 2015, August 2020); normal-low in October 2016; medium flow after a yellow rain warning in January 2025.
Anchors and re-equipment
In May 2015 the natural anchors at R10 were installed/replaced; R12 could not be found (possibly overgrown) so a new rebelay was installed a few metres lower, which ideally should be moved to the opposite bank to avoid two crossings in the flow. In October 2016 the natural anchors were in poor state, some trees rotten or broken; R10 (40 m) had only one bolt so the rig had to be backed up; R12 exists as two bolts on the right bank. R12 is really 30 m, not 35 m. R19 is hard to find (possibly overgrown), and R18 can be done direct to the bottom, about 70 m, with no rope-pull problems (August 2020, again in January 2025, a spectacular final rappel; R19 still exists as per the topo). A step between R4 and R5, formerly bypassable, is now best rappelled off a tree on the left bank (R 12 m); two steps between R6 and R7 are bypassable on the right. In January 2025 several tree slings and quick links were replaced (always bring rope offcuts); at least two rappels are done with the rope straight around a tree; there is extra gear between R6 and R7 on the right bank; R9 rope recovery is a little technical.
Hazards
Major rockfall on the 140 m vertical compromising group safety, and some on the 170 m (2016). In January 2025 no rockfall occurred, but the danger remains; most rebelays offer some shelter.
Access and exit
Locating the canyon without GPS is deceptive; the last stretch is completely closed in with no hint of a path, and in 2020 the final entry was somewhat overgrown. The approach from Paul da Serra follows a dirt track, then a path descending after a short climb to entry point #2 (1h15); take the right-hand trail in descent direction and follow it until marker tape, then turn left; bring cutting tools. Exit via the levada on the left bank, down through the terraces (follow the water pipes) to the regional road.
Official notes
This canyon is reserved for teams with good technical management of intermediate anchors and rope manoeuvres. R1 is marked with a rope ring but there are no more anchors until R5: use the rope directly around trees or bring rope offcuts to leave behind. The first rappels (already with water) can be done on trees, downclimbed or bypassed. At R5 you must manage a rub point 30 m lower; the approach is a bit exposed but set-back trees allow a safe approach. Between R6 and R9 an indistinct path crosses the watercourse; its condition is unknown. The C80 is split at a block that previously jammed the rope.
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.