Paths of Peneda

Day 1 (1)* • Arrive in Arcos de Valdevez

Arrive in Arcos de Valdevez Arcos, with cobbled streets and or nate churches, is picturesquely set on the banks of the River Vez

HHHH Ribeira Collection Hotel

Day 2 (2) • Arcos de Valdevez to Soajo

Paths through forest, pasture and scrub lead up to the megalithic monuments at Mezio, ‘gateway’ to the Peneda National Park, from where ancient tracks and paths lead down to the delightful village of Soajo Arcos-Soajo (13 8 miles, 6–7 hrs); Portela-Soajo (7 miles, 3 5 hrs)

Casa do Adro

Day 3 • Soajo

Explore Soajo’s quaint alleys, admire espigueiros (granite grain stores) and walk through terraces and valleys around the village (3.4 miles, 2 hrs). Alternatively, transfer by taxi to old Lindoso with its castle and 53 espigueiros, before crossing the Alto (high) Lindoso Dam and following the Lima Valley to an ancient bridge and natural pools below Soajo (7.1 miles, 4 hrs).

Casa do Adro

Day 4 (3) • Soajo to Peneda

Increasingly scenic ancient trails lead up to the village of Adrão, then across a ridge (views!) before descending into the Peneda Valley and following the pilgrimage path to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda (9.8 miles, 5–6 hrs) Alter natively, follow paths through wild valleys above crystal-clear rivers before joining the ancient pilgrim route to Peneda (7.1 miles, 4 hrs).

HHH Hotel Peneda

Day 5 (4) • Peneda to Castro Laboreiro

Follow gentle paths up the wooded Peneda Valley before climbing over the high serra to descend to the frontier settlement of Castro Laboreiro (9 6 miles, 5–6 hrs)

HHH Albergaria Miracastro

Day 6 • Castro Laboreiro

Options to explore the splendid landscapes around Castro Laboreiro: rocky outcrops, moorland and valleys, megalithic monuments, small granite villages, ancient bridges and 13C castle (up to 11 1 miles, 1 5–6 5 hrs)

HHH Albergaria Miracastro

Day 7 • Castro Laboreiro to Melgaço

Old paths link granite villages close to the Spanish border, before an open ridge and well-graded descent with wide views of the Minho Valley and distant Galicia... and Melgaço, with its castle, vineyards and ther mal springs (13 5 miles, 6 hrs – or 9 miles, 4 hrs)

Quinta da Calcada

Day 8 (5)

• Departure day

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open: May-July; Sept-Oct

Airport to first hotel: u Porto (60 miles)

Train/bus: 2 hrs - ~€16

Taxi: 1 hr - ~€120

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English, Portuguese, French and conversational Spanish.

Route Book: 156 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate to challenging (Grade 2+ – 4) See p 8

Terrain: Ancient granite paths, gravel roads and tracks