Machine-translated from Portuguese.
The “Peneda Trail” is a route certified by the National
Register of Walking Trails (RNPP), classified as a Short Route (PR), and since
it is a loop trail, it can be walked in either direction. However,
it is recommended to start the route from the
bus parking lot, located about 1 km from the Peneda church (the 2nd
parking lot for those coming from Peneda, the 1st for those coming from Lamas de
Mouro).
This
route takes place in the heart of the Serra da Peneda, between two mountain villages
: the hamlet of Peneda and Branda de Bouças dos Homens.
Starting from the parking lot, we take the trail, following the
markings that stand out against the landscape, which are yellow and
red. Oxcarts pulled by Barrosã cattle used to travel along these
paths, connecting those two villages. After 3 km and at an elevation of approximately
1,100 meters, the descent begins, with views of Branda de Bouça dos
Homens along the way. Shortly after reaching the paved road, we take an old
pilgrimage path dedicated to the image of Our Lady of Peneda. This is a
path known as a “pé posto” (on foot) since it allows no other way to
travel it. We then begin a new ascent to the foothills of
Penameda and soon descend again to a small artificial lake,
known locally as “Pântano,” located in the area of “Chã do Monte.”
This reservoir served as a small hydroelectric plant years ago, supplying
electricity to the village of Peneda. Crossing the lake, we follow a stream, and the
descent becomes a true and daring adventure due to the
steep slopes of the terrain. As we descend, we can
see the church and the village of Peneda in the distance, as well as
the Fraga da Meadinha on our left, a popular destination for
countless local and foreign climbers. A little further down,
we reach the trail’s end and from there take the road that will
lead us, after about 1 km, to the arrival point, which coincides with the
starting point—that is, the parking lot. If you are not
accompanied by a guide, pay close attention to the markings and do not stray from the
marked and signposted trail. Exercise extreme caution on foggy and/or
snowy days, as the markings may be obscured.
