Rota da Água – Janela do Inferno

A circular route that passes through some tunnels along the way, so it’s worth bringing a torch and checking that you’re well equipped before setting off. The starting point is Casa da Água – Trail Point, a former milk collection post that has been transformed into a support space for walkers, linked to promoting the Lagoa municipality and environmental awareness.

From there you descend the path, pass by the picnic area and turn left onto the secondary road heading towards Água de Pau. Following the markings, you’ll find a dirt track on your left that begins to climb; as you gain height, you’ll have the municipalities of Lagoa and Ponta Delgada behind you. You then cross a water line until the first tunnel and, shortly after, pass by a water collection support house. The trail follows the edge of Ribeira Seca and here intersects with PR 42 SMI – Rota da Água, entre Túneis e Condutas, which connects to Água de Pau.

Further ahead you reach the point that gives the trail its name: Janela do Inferno, a vertical wall full of springs where water erosion has carved out a cavity. At the base a natural pool forms where you can observe newts (Triturus cristatus) in different life stages, from larvae to juveniles and adults. It’s a good place to stop, appreciate the location and catch your breath.

The return journey is along the other bank of the stream, passing through a succession of large aqueducts that once supplied the old Álcool Factory in Lagoa and which today ensure public water supply to the municipality. At the end of the wooded area emerges the last tunnel, about 50 metres long, which also functioned as an aqueduct. Then you resume a dirt road that provides access to cultivated fields and, after carefully crossing the Regional Road, continue to a viewpoint overlooking the municipality of Ponta Delgada. The path follows through the interior of the Remédios parish back to Casa da Água – Trail Point, where it ends. Take the opportunity to visit the Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, at a high point with good views over the southern coast of the island.