Each year, as members of the Algarve Wednesday Walkers, we lead an event entitled ‘Round the Corner’. This is a two day walk from Carrapateira to Sagres, and then Sagres to Luz or vice versa, depending on the wind!!
During this walk, near Salema we avoid passing through the village by going along the beach at low-tide (always calculated beforehand) and climbing up or descending through the only place you can transition from beach to cliff top.
The first year we did this we had a visiting walker from UK, yes you’ve guessed it, - called Gordon. He enjoyed this part of the walk so much and posed for a photo, so we named the gully for him.
Gordon in the Gully
The Cache:
The cache is fairly simple, provided you arrive at low tide, and are able to do an easy scramble up from the beach, starting at the additional waypoint given. From there, you just head for the cache by whichever seems the easiest route. Long trousers and good footwear are advisable.
Having found the cache, you may prefer to carry on climbing to the top at the additional waypoint given. We find that climbing here is easier than descending as it is less slippery. Of course you are entirely at liberty to descend from the top waypoint and thence to the beach, or even come in and out via the same point. Each will provide a slightly different experience, some good views and not much chance of being interrupted by muggles. Remember, if using the additional waypoints, the best route is not always a straight line. Look for the paths!
Please note the tide is critical if you intend to approach or leave via the beach, although the cache can be accessed at any time from the top. If you leave the cache via the cliff top, turn left towards Salema and then take a path left through a gap in the bushes just 10 m. before a stone pile, and follow the stone piles back to the road, and into Salema.