Trilho das Poças

The “Trilho das Poças” trail is a route classified as a short route (PR), approximately 10.5 km long, circular in nature, and rated “easy,” characterized by a variety of scenic and natural points of interest, which runs mostly through the territory of the Creixomil and Mariz Forest Management Unit, but also includes a small portion of the Tamel, Sta. Leocádia, and Vilar do Monte Forest Management Unit.

The trail has a strong environmental focus and runs through one of the municipality’s richest areas in terms of native fauna and flora; along the way, it is possible to spot forested patches teeming with oaks (Quercus faginea L.), chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Miller), and, above all, riparian species riparian species such as the willow (Salix atrocinerea Brot.), the alder (Alnus glutinosa), and the ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl.), lining the waterways.

Mushrooms are also a constant feature during the winter months, clearly demonstrating the richness of this route and delighting “Míscaros” enthusiasts, given the diversity of species that sprout along the route.

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário serves as the starting and ending point. From here, set out to explore a route of exceptional beauty, crossing streams of crystal-clear water, small irrigation channels, footbridges, and restored mills—such as the Moinho do Meio or even the intriguing Azenha da Laranjeira—which represent a cultural heritage of days gone by. Along the way, admire the countless irrigation pools that give the trail its name and represent a unique way in which people, in their relationship with nature, have managed the abundance of water found in this region. Each pool has a specific significance and purpose, depending on the location and community—sometimes for domestic use, sometimes for irrigation, or simply for water retention. This entire vast heritage context is encapsulated in a roughly 10.5-km route, where Mother Nature reigns supreme and wears her finest attire.

A small portion of the trail also coincides with the S. Bento path, which leads toward the parish of Mariz.

In terms of wildlife and birdlife, there is a high likelihood of spotting foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), the magpie (Pica pica), the turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), the quail (Coturnix coturnix), the carrion crow (Corvus corone), the common blackbird (Turdus merula), the goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), the grass snake (Malpolon monspessulanus), the green frog (Rana perezi), the common toad (Bufo bufo), the black slug (Arion ater), and the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), among others.