Caminhos da Aldeia

Leave Largo da Aldeia da
Serra and head south along the roadside until you leave the village.
After the entrance to Herdade de Água D'Alte, turn left toward
Monte Cabaço, and after passing it, take a short detour before
returning to this spot. Turn right and then immediately left, climbing
a short distance to visit the Anta da Candeeira. Return to the original path, and
continue straight ahead, passing Monte Novo Palheirinho. Do not turn onto
any side paths until you see Monte Abraão below on your right,
where you should turn left as you begin to see a cliff with
protruding rocks followed by a lake on your right. Continue along the path
through the eucalyptus grove until you reach an open valley; take the
path on the left, which passes by Monte da Quinta. Continue straight ahead
and you’ll see the church of Monte Virgem on your right, perched high on prominent
cliffs. You’ll see an abandoned house; go around it on the left along a
path with sharp curves until you come to a steep ascent on the right
— follow this until you reach the Wayfarer’s Cross. Once you reach the road, you’ll have
access to the Monte da Virgem Chapel on a round-trip route to this
location. Return to the wayside cross and follow the path directly in front of you and
then to the right. Continue along this path halfway up the hillside,
passing above the Convent of São Paulo, with the Rocha
de São Cornelho on your right. Reach the trail leading to the summit of São Gens, the peak
of the Serra d’Ossa, on another round-trip hike. Circle the summit and
descend the hillside until you reach National Road 381. Turn left and,
about a hundred meters further on, take the path on the right, which follows the
hillside, until you come to a steep descent on the left. Halfway
down the descent, turn right to wind your way toward Cova do
Bento, an area of lush vegetation. From there, continue until you reach the
steeply sloping path, which leads out near a dam.
Take the path past the waterline and continue to National Road
381, crossing it via the underground cattle crossing. Turn
immediately right and take the path carved into the rock, running parallel to the
convent’s fence. Further ahead, you’ll come to the imposing ruins of an old
wine press and rejoin the paved road by turning right. When you reach the
national highway, turn left toward the center of Aldeia da
Serra.