Rocha do Chambre PRC6TER

This circular trail is mostly inserted in the Planalto Central e Costa Noroeste Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species, and makes an incursion into the Biscoito da Ferraria e Pico Alto Nature Reserve.

There are about 9 kilometres of walking in various environments, where you can contemplate the imposing landscape over the Natural Reserve at the top of Rocha do Chambre. This route reaches an altitude of 700 metres, so it is advisable to make it on days with good weather and visibility.

The trail begins and ends in a dirt path in the Malha Grande zone, at the intersection with the Regional Road 3-1 on the descent that leads to the centre of Biscoitos parish.

Beginning at this path, follow a section flanked by examples of native flora, such as Juniper (Juniperus brevifolia), Tree Heath (Erica azorica) and Myrsine retusa. Further ahead, you will find a fork where you should turn left. Reaching a T-junction, turn right and walk in a woodland of Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), following a torrential watercourse where birdlife is represented by Azores Blackbirds (Turdus merula azorensis), Golscrests (Regulus regulus inermis) and Azores Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs moreletti).

When you reach a meadow area, pass a gate leading to a dirt path, which takes you to woodland. The forested area gives way to a clearing from where you can contemplate the wall of the Pico Alto volcano caldera. Follow the cliff on the left until you reach the highest point (704 metres altitude) of Rocha do Chambre - the Juncal. In addition to being rich in endemic vegetation, this area is also characterised by the trachyte domes, which constitute the Biscoito da Ferraria e Pico Alto Nature Reserve. Continue along the cliff, cross the bridge and pass by a belvedere overlooking Rocha do Chambre. Next, descend through farmlands and take the opportunity to observe the various volcanic formations that the landscape offers. When you reach the end of the last pasture, turn right along a dirt path, pass trough a gate on your left and continue along the path flanked by a stone and heather wall. When you reach the fork, turn left to arrive at the place where the trail began.