Azores - trans-island hike on Sao Jorge

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meczko
meczko

I had a detailed look at the map of Sao Jorge in Azores and at the bus schedule and it appears that a long and exhausting but probably exciting trans-island hike would be possible by using bus connections only.
Tentative plan:
- bus from Velas to Norte Grande - dep. 08.30, arr. 09.05, on Wed and Fri only (according to the schedule on http://www.azoren-online.com/)
- walk from Norte Grande up the main ridge to Pico da Esperanca (includes ca. 700 m ascent)
- walk along the main ridge to the place above Velas (13 km in straight line, so probably ca. 20 km, in delicate descent)
- descent to Velas (ca. 600 m).

Altogether it seems a big hike but possible in a day. My question is - has anybody done it? Any ideas on approximate timing?

Many thanks in advance!

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pgingao
pgingao

Hello,
I have done this almost 18 years ago. Back then, we relied on walking and asking for lifts to locals. People are extremely friendly, and they go the extra mile to leave you were you want even if you don't ask!
We've even had people offering drinks and snacks.

Get a good pair of shoes and don't do it on the Summer peak.

You will love it!

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meczko
meczko

I can answer my own question for the benefit of any future hikers now :)

The morning bus from Velas to Calheta via Norte Grande and Norte Pequeno departs in fact at 07.20 a.m., Mo-Fri only. Schedules on http://www.azoren-online.com/ are out of date.

We did not take it on Friday as the main mountain ridge was fully shrouded by clouds. For Saturday we rented a car and - as the weather was much better - we did a short hike to the Pico da Esperanca (the highest one) from the pass where the road passes the main ridge. Took 3 hrs including plenty of picture breaks. On the same day we managed to drive to Faja dos Cubres and a hike from there to Faja de Caldeira de Santo Cristo. Both walks were very nice and altogether the island of Sao Jorge is amazing.
Faial and Pico were amazing too - altogether we enjoyed the Azored very much. A sea & mountains paradise for nature lovers and hikers. If only the public transport were a little better - with limited time there is not much choice besided renting a car.

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