GET OUT PLUS
Take a hike Words: Cheryl Smith
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ALK THIS way during the lambing season to see the sweet little lambs as the local shepherd follows this route to lead his flock to greener pastures. You will hear sounds of tinkling bells and barks from the sheep dogs as they rush around keeping the flock on track. The Messines train station will connect you to this moderately easy circular 12.5-km trail. Starting from the village, follow the via Algarviana walking signs that will guide you to the start of the walking path that runs parallel to the railroad track that leads to Lisbon. On the way to the Santa Ana ‘church hill’, the scenic trail takes you along the Funcho river, passing orange and clementine orchards. The large picture-tiled plaque on the hill reveals the army positions and the site where a field hospital was erected during the 1834 war known as the War of the Two Brothers, Pedro and Miguel, who were disputing the rightful claim of the royal throne. The picnic table on the hillside is a welcoming sight for weary walkers to take a break and rest their legs. In this tranquil setting, it is hard to image the scenes of
conflict, sacrifice and sorrow during the Portuguese Civil War that took place in these hills almost 200 years ago. The walking route leading away from the church meanders downhill between lollipop shaped pine trees and connects again with a trail running along the river Funcho, where storks, egrets and herons can be seen wading along the shallow water’s edge.
Ancient times Then there is the History Journey from Prehistory to the Middle Ages – the Archaeological Circuit of Vilarinha near the village of Vale Fuzeiros. The 7km moderately difficult loop takes hikers across many interesting historical sites, and from the ridge a chance to enjoy sweeping views of Vale Fuzeiros, home of the red sandstone quarry. Many buildings and houses in this area are constructed from this material as were the four carved menhirs that date back to 6000–4500BC. The four menhirs are laid out northeast-southeast and are known as The Alignment of Vilarinha. Ancient rock graves carved in the sandstone slabs have been found amongst the Mediterranean scrubland and are known
as the Necropolis of Carrasqueira, Necropolis of Pedreirinha and Necropolis of Forneca - all dating back to the Early Middle Ages. A grave that comprises of a simple pit and covered with a slab is of the Visigothic period and can be found near Forneca Necropolis. The Archaeology Museum in Silves is not far from Vale Fuzeiros and has many artefacts and information relating to this area.
The Cliff Top Walk With the countless number of awards given and awesome mentions about Praia Falesia’s beauty and outstanding vistas it is of no surprise that I choose this cliff top trail as a walking route; it will reward you with jaw dropping photography opportunities, from the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the green pine trees and the ochre cliffs that hug the fine golden sandy shores of Falésia beach. Start this 16km moderate out-and-back trail from the boardwalk at the picturesque fishing village, Olhos d’Agua. Head east towards Vilamoura until the cliff view trail descends