Calcorrear dos resineiros

Starting at Monte Cimeiro, the “Calcorrear dos Resineiros” hiking trail is a loop of about 11 km that winds through landscapes dominated by Maritime pine and a few olive groves, revealing paths once traveled by those who made their living from resin extraction, an activity that was quite important in the region until the 1980s.Shortly after the starting point, following the recommended route, you will come across the washhouse/interpretive center (1). Public washing areas appeared in the region in the late 19th century, and this one was in use until 1985. Continuing along the trail, you’ll come to an area of vegetable gardens, followed by a stretch of eucalyptus and rockroses, which will lead you to Tojeira (2). In this area, you can spot a flock of hoopoes that live there, and in the spring, you may find pútegas—edible, chlorophyll-free plants that parasitize the rockroses. Junot’s troops also marched along these trails during the first French invasions (1807–1808), before reaching Abrantes.Next comes a dense area of pine trees, where, during the hot months, you’ll hear the “symphony” of countless cicadas and may spot some of the wildlife typical of this trail.The rare black stork, which favors isolated wetlands surrounded by forest, nests here in the Ribeira da Abesteira. Upon reaching the valley, you’ll come across a vegetable garden and a few cork oaks, and further ahead, roughly halfway along the trail, you’ll find a stone wall (3) that, in the past, was used to hold back the soil for cultivation. Climb the slope, but watch your step—the ground is covered with slate stones.In Venda, you’ll pass by the old elementary school, now the headquarters of the Recreational, Cultural, and Sports Association of the Four Villages (4). Continuing along the path, you’ll reach Casal Velho. In this village, next to the washhouse (5), there is a fountain, once a favorite spot for young men and women to court. After passing through a dense area of pine trees, take a narrow path (single track) that will lead you to the top, next to a triangulation point (6). Stop and enjoy the view from there, including a large olive grove. In this area, olive oil has always been of great importance throughout the centuries. The return to the starting point follows a flat paved path.