My two companions are ardent walkers - I'm not - and as I had the sandwiches and flask, my rules were the walk had to be easy, no hills, no rough ground, had to have nice scenery, a stop-off point, and not be too long! I was in luck as Chris, one of my companions, had been on one such walk recently and assured me it met all my criteria.

The walk starts outside Silves. To get to the starting point, follow the main road towards Monchique and Portimao, and after about 5km on the left, you will see the Mira Rio café/restaurant. Park the car in the car park, walk back to the road, and turn right towards Silves. You will see a red STOP sign by a track; this is the track to follow. Turn left at the bottom to the irrigation channel, follow the path to the bridge over the channel, and turn right, following the path until you meet a surfaced road. Turn right again after the irrigation channel.

We had been lucky enough to choose a day when the sun was shining, and it was lovely and warm. I hadn't expected to experience such wonderful views and the perfume of eucalyptus, almond trees, orange blossom and wild flowers was overwhelming. Continuing along the irrigation channel footpath, you will have to cross the channel occasionally, but bridges are provided and are safe. The walk runs alongside the river Odelouca and the wildlife is abundant, so remember to take binoculars and a camera.

We then came to the point where the river Odelouca meets the river Arade, where it is worth stopping and taking in the scenery, especially of the island.
We continued on and, at a bend in the river, the town of Silves came into view.