Rota da Cereja

A circular trail that begins at the entrance to Alcongosta or next to the Alcongosta Forest House.Heading east, the trail climbs to the left, then turns right, where you’ll find the only esparto workshop in the Serra, basket weavers, and the “refogadouro” where chestnut wood rods are prepared for making baskets.Descend to the Ribeira do Alcambar, passing through cherry orchards, and the trail continues along the stream, passing by Quinta de São Gonçalo and Souto do Mouro, then climbs up the entire valley to the intersection with the PR3—Rota da Pedra d’Hera.Here, turn left and continue climbing through Quinta da Serrana. Turn left again, near the water reservoirs, and enter a lush chestnut grove. The path, on the hillside, passes by Arrebentão (a spot where clear, crystal-clear water flows year-round) and, along this stretch, you’ll find a number of spots that serve as authentic viewpoints offering glimpses of one of the largest cherry orchards in the entire country. You’ll pass by the junction with Casa da Floresta, and the trail returns to the village of Alcon-gosta via an unforgettable descent through an ancient forest of pine trees, pseudotsugas, and sequoias, very close to the Roman road that connected the north and south of the Serra. Turn left and re-enter the village until you reach the starting point.