Percurso Pedestre Ribeirinho

Classified as a riverside nature trail, it combines elements of deep rural character, such as terraced farming and schist walls, with traces of industrial activity in the old, abandoned lead mines of Barbadalhos, and the scenic beauty provided by the Mondego River valley, in an artistic composition formed by slopes of varying steepness and the majestic watercourse that cuts through the landscape, in a perfect symbiosis between natural and human-made elements.

This linear route, which requires returning by the same path, allows for constant interaction with the Mondego River through the river valley, in an educational journey of discovery of what was and still is the relationship between local communities and the river—their most precious resource—and the surrounding flora and fauna.

Starting at Palheiros River Beach, which holds the Accessible Beach, Blue Flag, and Gold Quality awards, with a bar and picnic area, the route follows the river along old and narrow goat trails, flanked by schist walls (serving as soil retaining barriers) to the ruins of the Barbadalhos lead mine, which was active in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although the mine is abandoned, it is still possible to identify the sites of extraction, production, and transport (loading dock), as well as the so-called Mine Tower, where the lead was smelted.

Next to the river beach there is a fish passage of extreme importance for the conservation of species such as the shad, the European eel, the sea lamprey, or the spined loach. Only through this structure can they move further upstream and, in many cases, complete their reproductive cycle.

Along the route, you can admire the riparian vegetation on the riverbanks and a landscape heavily shaped by human activity, with farmlands, orchards, olive groves, and eucalyptus plantations. Occasionally, traces of natural vegetation appear, such as cork oaks, chestnut trees, and Alvarinho oaks, accompanied by arbutus, hedge cherry, holly, myrtle, and gilbardeira.

Along the walls, one can observe characteristic rock vegetation, such as mosses and some ferns. Among the vascular plants, we can observe some species of Sedum and Venus’s belly. Among the invasive species, the mimosa acacia stands out. With keen eyes and ears, one can observe the diversity of the fauna, which includes the great spotted woodpecker, blackbird, white-throated warbler, jay, and blue tit, among others.

The final part of the trail follows the riverbed, allowing visitors to enjoy a magnificent riparian gallery , consisting mainly of willows, alders, ash trees, white oak, and poplars, where they can also spot the white-tailed eagle and the black kite, as well as the otter, the grey heron, or the kingfisher.