This is quite a hard walk with a long, steep ascent, followed by good walking through woodland and vegetation primarily on a well marked trail. There are also spectacular views on a clear day from the walk high point. From there it is a steep descent back to the village of Torrinhas before making our way back to the start point in the quiet hamlet of Fontes. Walking poles are recommended for those that need them. Total ascent is approximately 430 metres.
The walk descends to a valley – in places the slope is 1:3 and is very uneven and rocky- then makes a fairly steep, ascent to the road on the edge of Pragança followed by a steep ascent – 1:5 in places – to the top. The tracks are clear of vegetation, and in wet weather, will be slippery on the steeper slopes. So good shoes and walking poles are recommended. Also plenty of water in hot weather.
This circular walk is based on the Ecopista track & starts near Bezzera at the location of the old railway station & football field.
The walk start on the easy track. We then ascend to explore the hills with good views across the valley. Returning to the main track – we walk to the end with views to Porto de Mos. A 2nd short ascent takes us to the feature Doorway, before completing the circuit back to the start point.
CAR SHARE as the walk in the Serra dos Candeeiros is the other side of Porto de Mós I suggest optional car share from Alcobaca. Try 08:45? And meet at The car park on the opposite sie of the road to Pingo Doce, BP Burger King and Aldi. (39.5465, -8.9710)
Timing
The walk is about 13 km and is expected to take about 3.5 hours
Coffee Stop
Coffee/lunch-after the walk-back in Porto de Mos at Esplanada Jardim*
Details
NB. The flag on the map above shows the car meeting and walk start point.
Notes
Walk leader: Chris Coell
chris@silvercoastwalks.com
*Esplanada Jardim: Suggest park at Avenida Dr. Licinio Moreira da Silva then walk across the park & bridge to the riverside café.
This route goes around the entire water surface of Lagoa de Óbidos, passing through places of beauty and rich fauna and unique flora, as are the cases (from East to West) of the area of the old Arelho salt pans (Parque de Merendas and Vala das Salinas), mouth of the Arnóia and Real rivers, Bico dos Seixos, Braço do Bom Sucesso, Covão dos Musaranhos, Ponta Branca and its peculiar “neighborhood” of cane huts, Bico dos Corvos, Caneiro, Poça das Ferrarias, Ponta do Espichel, Ponta das Canas, Aldeia da Lapinha, Ponta do Bração, ending at Aldeia dos Pescadores, next to praia Bom Sucesso.
Along the route it will be possible to observe the characteristic fauna and flora, with emphasis on the immense birds, including flamingos and herons, fish, crustaceans, as well as the traditional boats (bateiras) that still serve to carry out the important fishing activity, namely the harvesting shellfish by local shellfish farmers.
The first part of the walk is a gentle ascent through the steep-sided, wooded Vale de Mogo. There is a short road section followed by a woodland path before entering the village of Carrascal. A gravel track brings us round the hill and back down to Chiqueda with a walk through the village alongside the canalised river and back to the cars.
Cela Velha (between Alfeizerão and Nazaré) up the ridge to Cela Nova
The starting point is Cela Velha in front of the railway station. We walk along a small road to Casais do Espero. In this hamlet, half hidden under the motorway, we go to the other side of the A8 and walk to the Fonte Santa hidden in a small valley. We start climbing the ridge by a dirt road, pass through an apple orchard at the top and follow a path towards Cela Nova. For the last part of this village we follow the road. From Cela we head for Bárrio where we cross the road to Cela Velha, taking a small path through the woods with lovely views. We pass Quinta da Cela Velha before we cross the motorway and return to the start point.
The first part of the walk follows the road by the side of the lagoon towards the Sailing Club. You return by the same road and walk through Foz do Arelho climbing up to the sea ridge on the north side. The walk descends to the beach along a coastal board walk with spectacular views of the lagoon and coast to the south. The final part follows the beach back to the return point.
Take the road from Foz do Arelho to Nadadouro which follows the side of the lagoon. After about 1 km park at a parking area on the lagoon side of the road.
Cela Velha, across the valley, up the ridge to Casal Mota
The starting point is Cela Velha in front of the railway station. The first part is on quiet roads across the valley through agricultural fields and then a climb up the coastal ridge to Casal Mota. After a short break the route descends by road to the valley near to the river Alcoa followed by a flat walk on quiet roads across the valley fields.
Timing
The walk is about 11 km and is expected to take about 3 hrs
NB. The flag on the map above shows the car meeting and walk start point.
Coffee Stop
In Cela Velha at end of walk
Notes
Walk leader: Chris Coell
chris@silvercoastwalks.com
From São Martinho do Porto and Alfeizerão take the road to Nazaré. Pass through Famalicão and after about 3 to 4 km turn right to Cela Velha. You will cross the railway line after about 1km. Continue on the main road which turns to the left; after about 0,5 km you come to an open area with a modernist sculpture; turn left and you will see the station 50 metres in front.
From Cela Nova go downhill (in a westerly direction) to Cela Velha which is at the bottom of the ridge. In the centre of the village you will see an open area with a modernist sculpture and you will see the station 50 metres in front. The main road turns left at this point.
A walk through farmland, wooded hills, small villages and short sections on quiet roads. There are some slopes which will be muddy after rain. So walking poles and good foot-ware are recommended.
Timing
The walk is about 9km and is expected to be about 2 hours
Car meeting and start point
Place
Coordinates
Casais do Ponte. There is parking on the main road by a bus stop & a religious statue with seating. There are additional parking areas on the roads nearby.
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