10th-13th September 2026 – Madeira Weekend Challenge
ABOUT THIS CHALLENGE!!
Experience incredible Madeira on this 4 day trip, exclusive to Summits Up. This event is being delivered for Summits Up by one of our good friends Matt Buck of Running Adventures, who is a qualified mountain leader and experienced ultra distance runner and hiker.
On this hiking weekend, we will stay in the beautiful Vila Camacho Guest House, just outside the city of Funchal. The guesthouse has beautiful sea views, a sea water swimming pool, sun terrace, restaurant, bar and more.
After arriving in Madeira, we’ll settle into our accommodation and take some time to relax before heading out for a short walk in the local area. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Friday begins with breakfast at the guesthouse before we transfer to Ilha for an unforgettable hiking adventure, the toughest challenge of the weekend. Our journey takes us to the summit of Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira at 1862m. This hike is the equivalent of climbing Ben Nevis. From the summit, we’ll descend through dramatic landscapes, a route that offers awe-inspiring views and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. This 6 mile (10km) hike involves an elevation gain of +1400m and a descent of -350m, making it a true highlight of the trip.
In the evening, you’ll have the unique option to travel to Funchal city centre to explore the city and cap off the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
On Saturday, after a hearty breakfast, we’ll transfer to Rabacal for the renowned 25 Fontes (Fountains) Hike. This picturesque 8.5 mile (14km) trek winds through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along serene levadas, with an elevation change of approximately +170m | -500m, we finish this hike with an awesome tunnel in complete darkness. After a fulfilling day on the trails, we’ll return to the Vila Camacho Guest House to relax and unwind. In the evening, we’ll come together for dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the culinary delights of the island.
IMPORTANT: This weekend includes rugged terrain, lots of elevation and takes place in an unforgiving environment, we want everyone to be safe. Therefore, to join this weekend , we recommend that you have completed at least a hilly 10 mile hike within 6 weeks of the event, you don’t need to be a hiking expert, but you must have a very good level of fitness and be able to walk for prolonged periods of time.
If you are unsure and would like to discuss before registering, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
PRICE
Single in twin shared room: £490
Non refundable deposit of £100 required upon registration (deducted from balance).
ITINERARY
Thursday
Transfer from airport (approx 2:30pm TBC).
Check into our accommodation at Vila Camacho Guest House.
Short hike in the surrounding area.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Friday
Breakfast.
Early transfer to Ilha.
Hike to Pico Ruivo (1862m), the highest point of Madeira.
Distance: Approx. 6 miles/10km.
Elevation: Approx. +1400m | -300m.
Taxi or walk to Funchal city centre for dinner.
Saturday
Breakfast.
Transfer to Rabacal.
25 Fontes (Fountains) Hike.
Distance: Approx. 8.5 miles/14km.
Elevation: Approx. +170m | -500m.
Transfer back to Vila Camacho Guest House.
Time to relax.
Taxi or walk to Funchal city centre for dinner.
Sunday
Breakfast.
Time to relax before transfer back to airport at 10am (time TBC).
Please note. Itinerary subject to last minute changes without warning and will be weather dependant.
Included
Accommodation.
Breakfast.
All transfers.
Trail fees.
Guided hikes with fully qualified leaders.
Advice and guidance throughout the weekend.
Video and photos.
Not Included
Flights.
Lunch and dinner on all days.
Drinks and snacks.
Transport to and from the weekend.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
To REGISTER please head over to this link: https://www.hikingadventures.uk/summitsup.html