Ribeira do Seixal (superior)

Water flow and conditions. Frank flow in June 2018; normal in January and December 2021; OK after rain in May 2023; nice flow 36 h after a storm in October 2023 (with signs it had recently been much higher); quite high flow on 29 February 2024, with water from the first moment; good flow throughout in February 2025. The Paul da Serra plateau can be bitterly cold and foggy, and the water is very cold even on a sunny day. Several downclimbs are very technical and slippery, becoming somewhat dangerous with high flow.

In January 2021 anchors were replaced at R18, R20, R21, R24 and R25; R19 was installed from scratch to split the biggest drop, R18 got double rings for easier retrieval and R19 now allows a rub-free rappel. In May 2023 all anchors matched the published sequence but some tree anchors needed replacing (one needed a new maillon; the rappel was done directly around the tree). By October 2023 new bolts had appeared on some first-section rappels previously equipped only with trees. Caution on the pull from the R19 rebelay: whip the rope end away from the wall or it can jam on rock flakes below. The equipment was in good condition in February 2025.

Start and route. The start is signposted by the Seixal canyoning sign, but there is a path that avoids some of the initial progression through dense vegetation. The return to the car can be made via Lombo das Faias.