In the third annual Goodmans adventure, we got together with a team of clients to hike over 60km across the volcanic island of Madeira. Why did we do it and how did it go?
About Goodmans adventures
Goodmans clients generally share a key thing in common: they’ve spent decades working hard and want to make the most of their time when they retire. It’s our job to help them unlock the financial confidence to reach their goals. For most of them, who still have the appetite and energy for taking on adventures, this includes enjoying an active retirement.
We love adventure too, so in 2022 we started bringing our team and client community together to hike across some of the world’s outstanding landscapes. Now a yearly event, the Goodmans adventures are a challenging and rewarding experience all round – our clients can enjoy a ready-made walking adventure with likeminded people, and our team gets to experience that too, while getting to know our clients and their priorities better.
After our first trip trekking in Iceland and the second walking the Italian Dolomites, this year we invited clients to join us for four days of hikes along the historic levadas and coastal paths of the Portuguese island of Madeira.
The 2024 adventure team
Travelling from across the country – Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Bucks and Lancashire – our 13-strong team was made up of eight clients and five Goodmans team members. Ranging in age from 28 to 82, we had representatives from all seven decades! There was a good mix of solo travellers and couples too.
After spending the first day getting to know each other while exploring the capital, Funchal – including a world-class fireworks display – it was down to the business of four days’ trekking. There may have been varying experience of hiking within the group – not to mention appetite for heights! – but Madeira’s diverse trails offered an exhilarating challenge for everyone.
The hikes
1. Caniçal to Porto da Cruz – 10.5 miles/16.8 kilometres
We kicked things off on an old trail once used by locals to trade between three small towns. Now known as one of Madeira’s most scenic hikes, we had it all to ourselves on a beautifully clear and calm day.
Starting alongside a centuries-old levada (manmade water channel) overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the towns below, our ascent brought us to a coastal path framed by chalky red banks, cacti and skittish little lizards. With the steep cliff edges and dramatic drops came panoramic views of the rugged east coast and the wild Atlantic.
Our long, steep trek downhill to reach the beach town of Porta da Cruz ended with a well-earned reward of cold beers at a seafront café!
2. Levada do Furado – 9 miles/14.5 kilometres
Our second hike tracked one of the oldest levadas in Madeira through the living fossil that is the ancient Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Flanked by ferns and mossy banks with spontaneous waterfalls on one side and plunging cliffs on the other, it was even more atmospheric in the blanket-like mist of the day. Given the flimsy barrier along the edge, it was a blessing that the drop was mostly obscured by foliage or mist, or both!
The skies brightened in time for us to appreciate a stunning viewpoint of the 600-metre high ‘Eagle’s Rock’ looming over the sapphire ocean and town below before returning to enjoy the hotel pool. Well, we were already wet!
3. Caldeirão Verde and Ilha – 9.2 miles/14.8 kilometres
Our longest day was a walk of two halves, starting with one of Madeira’s most popular (and populated) levada trails. We were again taking in lush rainforest on a narrow, flat path alongside sheer cliff edges, but this time we spotted wild trout in the levada.
Stooping through four hand carved tunnels, we reached a verdant basin that translates as ‘green cauldron’ with a captivatingly tall and slender waterfall.
Leaving the crowds behind, our second walk was a peaceful foray through hobbit-like woodland, with steps carved into the earth and corridors of moss punctuated by vibrant tropical flowers.
We ended with a warm welcome at the traditional village of Ilha nestled under Madeira’s highest mountain, Pico Ruivo.
4. Santana to Arco de São Jorge – 10.4 miles/16.7 kilometres
Taking on part of the Caminho Real trail that circles the island, our final walk brought the highest ascent and most descents.
Starting in the town of Santana with its iconic, traditional A-frame houses, we navigated cobbled paths past farmland, beaches and quaint villages – and not a levada in sight!
Edged by prickly pear cacti coming into flower, the steep, zigzag paths that hugged the rugged northern coast brought stunning views. After a long climb, we welcomed a chance to refuel with a mid-walk ice cream before the last descent through steep woodland.
Ending at our hotel in the village of Arco de São Jorge, there was only one thing for it: a celebratory ‘pool party’ amidst the tropical gardens! For our last supper, we enjoyed traditional food and obligatory Madeira wine at a fabulous beachfront restaurant.
Looking back at Madeira
One of the best things about Goodmans adventures is the connections that are forged. Another is the challenges that are overcome. This latest trip didn’t disappoint.
Many of the group hadn’t met each other before and some had never taken on an experience of this kind. By the end, we had all achieved something to be proud of, whether it was overcoming vertigo, conquering a steep gradient, walking for five hours in one go or clocking 40 miles in four days. And we had all made new friends.
As with the Iceland and Dolomites trips before it, the Madeira adventure helped showcase what you can do with an active retirement, and the rich rewards that can come from being brave enough to step outside your comfort zone.
So, where shall we go next year?!
If you want some help to unleash an active retirement, give us a call.
Thanks to everyone who joined us to make this trip so special and to Karen Thornton from the Travel Counsellors for helping us make it a reality.
Our clients will be able to read more about our Madeira adventure in the Autumn 2024 issue of the Goodmans community magazine, Unleashed.
