Madeira Crossing | Trail Running adventure

6 nights accommodation on a twin share basis

All meals included, with the exception of rest day lunch & dinner. Food will be healthy and home-cooked by one of the team.

4 carefully curated guided trail runs. Designed by runners for runners

Expert running guides throughout. Qualified Leader & Outdoor First Aider and experienced ultra-marathon runner

Training plan prior to departure

Exclusive Nomadic Runner discount on future trips

Yoga or stretch & strength class

Unique trail running experience, off the beaten track

We plant trees! Instead of providing you with another T-shirt or medal, we mitigate the carbon involved with all are guests flights for the trip

Small group - max 8 people (min. 4 people)

Any additional costs that are otherwise not stated under the booking

Flights and transfers

Additional activities unless otherwise stated

TRAIL RUNNING: 70KM OVER 4 DAYS

TOTAL ASCENT: 4500M

DURATION: 4-5 HOURS PER DAY

day 01

Guest will be arriving into Funchal airport throughout the day and we ask them to make their own way to the accommodation in Sao Vincente. The most convenient way to hire a car from the airport. From here its an easy and scenic 1-hour drive. Having a car provides you with additional freedom to explore the island post running and take in the many additional wonders. Guest meet the team over an evening meal and we'll save some for those of you arriving late.

day 02

Wake early to breakfast. Warm-up, stretch and take a final kit check before we take a short transfer for the start to head out on the first of our trail runs (approx. 4-5hrs). Starting in Ribeira da Janela we run along Madeira's famous irrigation channels (levadas) and through Laurel forest before finishing with a dip in the natural sea-pools of Seixal. We transfer back to base and have a simple but tasty lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring. The team and guests reconvene over dinner at the villa.

day 03

After breakfast, we are starting in the same town as we finished the previous day we continue our journey. We follow the trail with a consistent and gentle climb to Pico Ruivo do Paul, the highest point of the day. We take a moment to take in the spectacular views before descending again through a protected forest. The decedent is as gentle as the incline. Back at the villa lunch and optional stretch & strength or yoga class will be available (30-45mins), or just unwind ahead of the evening meal.

DAY 04

Rest. Breakfast will be served at the villa but the remainder of the day is yours to explore the island or just unwind closer to base. Lunch and dinner on this day are not included but there are several options in Sao Vicente and other towns along the coast.

DAY 05

Heading out from the accommodation we aim for our destination of Boaventura. This is the longest, and hardest day of the retreat with the first half more of a run/hike as we head up to the central ridge-line of Madeira. With 1400m of ascent, we reach our highest point of the week, Pico de Jorge (1691m). After this, we start an undulating descent picking up a few more peaks and return to the villa. The afternoon will be free for rest and recovery. Dinner will be plentiful, nutritious and cooked by one of the team

DAY 06

A short transfer back to Boaventura and we start our final day of the trail running adventure. The aim is the small town of Santana on the north-west coast. We once again rise through the lush settings on a series of meandering trails, With the major climb out the way we continue to rise and fall along the way before a gentle and sustained 5km to reach the highest point of the day. With 18km under the belt, we make our final descent on tired legs. Back into town, we share a drink before heading back to the accommodation. This transfer is the largest of the trip due to the scenic but windy roads and will take approximately one hour.

DAY 07

Treat yourself to an extra hour or two in bed, you've earned the rest. The team and guests share breakfast before saying farewells, until next time.

Villa style accommodation includes a large communal area for relaxation and socialising. Outdoor space for relaxing and sharing food, which will be both nutritious and plentiful.

The accommodation is in the Sao Vicente region and has been selected for easy access to Funchal City and Madeira airport. This journey style retreat means most trail-heads are either from the villa or a short (20 mins transfer).

Twin rooms are booked on the basis of two sharing, upgrade available for single occupancy in most cases. Please get in touch to find out more

Comprehensive insurance to cover you for this type of activity.

In brief, your trail running kit! We'll provide a breakdown of what this might look like upon booking confirmation.

Flights & transport to and from the accommodation (any transfers to trailheads are included)

Local currency

Any necessary visas