Lagoa do Fogo from Ribeira da Praia

From the car park at the scout park, Parque Escutista dos Lagos, above Água d'Alto, climb north through farmland and cedar plantations into the valley of the Ribeira da Praia. The way follows water channels and pipes that collect spring water for Ponta Delgada, climbing steadily up the steep-sided valley into native heath and juniper. It comes out on the south shore of Lagoa do Fogo, the lake in the crater of the Água de Pau volcano. Return the same way, with views down to Vila Franca do Campo and its islet.

It is 9.8 km there and back with 524 m of ascent; allow about 4 hours. The grade is Moderate: a long, steady climb on tracks and paths, steep in places.

The lake is a nature reserve. Gulls nest around it in April and May, so keep to the path then and give the birds space. The paths beside the water channels are often wet and muddy: wear boots. Cloud and fog are common at the lake.

The car park is free, with room for about 20 cars. Buses between Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo run along the coast through Água d'Alto, about 1.5 to 2 km below the start up the Caminho Ribeira da Praia; check the timetable.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.