Ao Longo da Ribeira de Odelouca

This is a route through vast mountain ranges with valleys carved out by torrential streams and the Odelouca Creek, the central axis of the landscape, marked by ridges from which the scenery stretches as far as the eye can see.Starting from the São Barnabé Parish Church, head toward Monte da Cruz and Zambujal; when you reach the turnoff for the spring, take a loose-gravel path to the left that climbs steeply uphill. From here, you’ll have a beautiful view of the white houses of São Barnabé. Go around the houses of Monte das Covas and catch your first glimpse of the Ribeira de Odelouca valley, then begin descending into the valley, passing by a small spring. Then cross the stream several times and follow its course along the dirt path framed by imposing patches of Mediterranean woodland. Leave the stream’s course and begin the ascent into the hills, passing by the abandoned Monte do Carneiro, always following the main path.

Upon reaching a trail junction, called Portela de Odelouca, it’s time to turn right at a sharp curve, taking the ridge trail with views stretching to infinity all around the horizon. From here, follow a gentle descent in a straight line to Monte dos Pipeiros and then continue down further down to Barranco de Pipeiros, following a wide dirt road that runs alongside the stream’s riparian gallery, back to the starting point in the village of São Barnabé.