Rota das Picotas

The Picotas Route begins at Nabão Park in Ansião, 500 meters from the river’s source and at the spot that once marked the junction of the IC8 with the road to Constantina, and takes participants to the southern part of the municipality, through the parishes of Chão de Couce and Pousaflores.

It owes its name to the traditional irrigation systems that are very common in some parts of the route. Leaving Nabão Green Park, the trail passes by the river’s source and climbs along an excellent trail, opened just a few years ago and surrounded by dense vegetation, where it is impossible to walk side by side. Once on the dirt path, at the 2,400-meter mark, you can turn right and begin the descent back to Ansião.

If you decide to continue straight ahead, you’ll pass through Casal de S. Brás first and Alqueidão afterward. Descend into the Camporês Valley and continue on to the Serra do Mouro, then cross through farmland leading to Lisboinha and Pousaflores. This is a good spot for a break in the shade of the trees in the church square, especially since this is where the climb up Monte da Ovelha begins, better known locally as Serra do Anjo da Guarda.

This is the most challenging section of the route. The “Ciclo do Pão” (Bread Cycle), associated with a windmill, and the Anjo da Guarda chapel are just a few of the attractions in that mountain range. In fact, the flora and fauna are particularly rich, notably featuring partridges, wild rabbits, and 27 different species of orchids that bloom there in the spring, as well as stone pines, cypresses, olive trees, and oaks. Its lookout point is also an excellent place to stop.

After crossing the mountain range, the route begins its descent toward Ansião. It crosses the valley of Poço da Ameixieira, passes by Lagoa, and continues on to Casal Viegas. Descending to Casal das Sousas, the route proceeds to Moinho das Moitas, now near Ansião and at the end of the trail