Trilho da Quinta da Serra

This trail is located in the heart of the Serra de Montejunto, within the Protected Landscape Area, and runs through the parishes of Lamas and Cercal in the municipality of Cadaval. After visiting the Center, begin the trail by taking the concrete path that descends to the recreational area and picnic park, skirting the campground on the right. At the end of the concrete path, turn left, and after just a few meters, follow the forest trail that will lead you to a grove of stone pines, which will soon give way to a vast area covered with kermes oaks. The trail follows an open path through clay soil, allowing you to enjoy beautiful panoramic views characterized by the Montejunto limestone massif, whose light color contrasts with the ochre of the earth and the gray-green of the native flora, giving the landscape an interesting interplay of light and color. Likewise, the vineyards, orchards, and other agricultural fields surrounding the mountain range, as well as small elevations in the terrain, stand out on the horizon, further enriching this mountainous landscape of the West. After a while, begin climbing along a shepherds’ trail that will lead you to the hang-gliding and paragliding launch area, where, from this vantage point, you can partially view the final kilometers of the Tagus River. From here, continue climbing toward Picoto da Texugueira.Leaving the forest path, follow a shepherds’ trail heading west, walking along the ridge line through the holm oak forest, where rosemary abounds on the limestone outcrops, which will lead you to the Forest Watchtower. Here, next to the escarpment, at an altitude of 574 meters, you can take in the indescribable landscape and lose yourself in the details that stand out on the horizon. After a well-deserved break, continue on your way, following the forest road which, after about five hundred meters, takes the path on the left through Portuguese stone pines, where in the spring you can find the Albardeira rose. Following the sign, begin the descent that will take you to the forest road, turning right toward the end of the trail.