This half day walk that is classified as easy, is a 5km hike along a stretch of an 85km levada. Levadas are everywhere in Madeira as they are a network of irrigation channels that water the stepped terraces up the mountainsides. Madeira Explores picked us from our hotel and took us to the start point some 500m up in the mountains. The driver was also the guide. He was quite an entertainer cracking jokes along the way and also giving us a history of the levada, and showing us points of interest, as well as the flora and fauna of the area, and other fascinating information. We were in a bunch of 8-10 and I was impressed with his care towards those less able, emphasing time and again the importance of safety - it is all to easy to fall off the mountain side. If you are afraid of heights this is not for you as although the walk is flat, the levada paths are barely 18 inches wide at some points and looking down can be scary. Then again you would be missing out on spectacular , breathtaking scenery.

Excellent guide and very knowledgeable. Guide named all plants, trees etc. He bought cheese on the way up for us to feed the finches - this made our trip. Wet gear and torches - for the long tunnel - we thoughfully provides for all. Also guide walked at a pace to suit all of the party.

Did an excursion from our cruise on our day in Madeira. It was very fun and well worth the money. It was well and truly off road and really wouldn't recommend it to those with back problems!

Good range of walks and they pick you up from your hotel. The guide checked we all had waterproofs (you need them in Madeira as the weather is very unpredictable) and made sure we were safe throughout the walk. The levadas can be dangerous if you're careless so this was really important.

I would book with them again, in fact I will as I'm going back to Madeira in April 2013 for another walking holiday. I did do another walk with a different company but didn't feel safe as the guide didn't seem that bothered about whether we were kitted out appropriately or whether the conditions were suitable.