Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira dos Cedros
Beginner · v2a1 III
Rappels: 7 · Max waterfall: 25 m · Min rope: 20 m
The canyon is dry at the start and gains a little more water at each rappel, until the last waterfalls carry a good flow (as in November 2023).
Current status
As of November 2023Dry at the top with good flow on the final waterfalls; all rappels double-bolted except a 3 m step, some links made of old rope; combining with the lower part of Água Negra is recommended.
Anchors and re-equipment
All rappels except a 3 m drop have two anchors, some of them linked by old rope.
Access and exit
Access is via the Levada das 25 Fontes: pass the 25 Fontes and continue 450 m to a junction heading downhill towards Loura de Gota (wooden sign); after about 20 m a bridge marks the entry point, and the first anchors are behind a big boulder at the right-hand end of the bridge. The descent can be stopped at the Levada da Rocha Vermelha, but given the long approach and return it is worth continuing with the second part of Água Negra, which joins Cedros at the levada: no longer ropes are needed, just good orientation for the return.
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.