Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira dos Moinhos
Extreme · v5a2 IV
Rappels: 11 · Max waterfall: 140 m · Min rope: 80 m
The interest of Moinhos lies in the descent of the 140 m waterfall (C140) and the exit next to the sea. With water present, the downclimbs need care because they must be done in the flow. Vegetation in the riverbed hinders progression, especially after R6.
Current status
As of July 2023Dry; the first waterfall's rebelay is re-equipped 2 to 3 m lower on a clean ledge; the last waterfall is re-equipped with new anchors and a deviation; the sea exit remains the crux.
Season and flow
Weak at the start and dry from R5 in June; no flow at all in late July.
Anchors and re-equipment
In August 2014 R3 and R11 had no anchors; these were re-placed, and the slings and ropes linking the hangers on all rappels were replaced. In June 2020 some anchors were replaced because of corrosion from the nearby sea. In July 2023 the first rebelay on the first waterfall was completely overgrown and hard to spot in time, so two new points were added about 2 to 3 m lower on a good ledge clear of vegetation; on the last waterfall the existing anchors were completely deteriorated or torn out/cut, so it was re-equipped with a deviation and new anchors.
Access and exit
The exit is the most complicated part of the canyon: the usual return is by boat to the harbour of Paul do Mar, and the return by sea is the trickiest element of the descent.
Official notes
Pay attention to sea conditions for the exit. Before the last two rappels there is an unexplored path climbing the left bank by which it should be possible to exit.
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.