Pico do Pedro - Pico da Esperança - Fajã do Ouvidor

Pico do Pedro–Pico da Esperança–Fajã do Ouvidor follows São Jorge’s central volcanic ridge before descending to the north coast. From the base of Pico do Pedro, the path skirts the peak and enters a succession of cones. A spur climbs Pico da Esperança, the island’s highest point, where a lagoon occupies the crater and clear weather reveals São Jorge’s long, narrow form.

The route proceeds through Pico do Carvão, Junça, Pico Verde, Montoso and Morro Pelado. On returning to the main line, it also passes Pico do Areeiro and Pico do Pinheiro, both associated with crater ponds. After the GR02SJO junction, the route descends north through woodland, cultivated land and a tarmac section to Fajã do Ouvidor. Its harbour and bathing area mark the finish beside the sea. This crossing connects the protected alignment of volcanic cones with a lava-formed fajã through a continuous change in elevation and environment.

The sequence of peaks allows several craters to be observed without leaving the overall ridge axis. Each spur returns to the main line, creating an alternation between close approaches to individual cones and steady linear progress towards the northern descent. This structure makes careful reading of the waymarks especially important on high ground.

Start at the base of Pico do Pedro and head north around the peak. Use the marked spur to climb Pico da Esperança, then return to the ridge line. Continue through Pico do Carvão, Junça, Pico Verde, Montoso and Morro Pelado, followed by Pico do Areeiro and Pico do Pinheiro. At the GR02SJO junction, take the northbound descent through woodland, fields and tarmac to Fajã do Ouvidor and its harbour. Arrange transport. After Pico do Pinheiro, remain on the ridge axis to the grand-route junction before beginning the descent.