Fisgas de Ermelo

A mountain trail along the Ôlo River Valley, in the heart of the Alvão Mountains, between Ermelo and Varzigueto. In addition to the rural landscape, a highlight is the Fisgas do Ermelo Waterfall, a geological fault that created a stretch of river that is quite rugged, winding, deep, and features successive waterfalls and pools.

The route begins next to the Ermelo parish church, heading north along the main street, passing by the pillory. It descends into the valley, passes through the village’s agricultural terraces, and crosses an area of mixed oak and chestnut woodland. Cross the wooden bridge over the Fervença stream, a tributary on the left bank of the Olo, and begin the steep and dizzying ascent, aided by a rope handrail.

A little further up, it joins a wider path, strewn with loose stones, which climbs long and steeply to Varzigueto along the ridge dividing the valleys of the Fervença stream and the Olo River. Further on, it follows only the slope of the Olo, and as it climbs, it offers sweeping views of the geological fault and the Fisgas de Ermelo, especially from several natural lookouts.

Upstream from the Fisgas, pine forests predominate, and in this flatter stretch of the river lies a cluster of beautiful lagoons with crystal-clear water known as Piocas de Cima.

Following the river closely upstream, it passes through Varzigueto, a village situated in a more open area. Its surroundings feature meadows and farmland. After crossing the river, the route continues along the right bank, following it downstream; it passes the waterfalls again, descends to the parking lot at the Fisgas de Ermelo viewpoint, and continues down the valley, sometimes on trails and sometimes on forest paths.

Ermelo comes into view further down, but before reaching it, the river traces some meanders of great beauty. At a tighter bend, it veers away from a rocky outcrop and plunges down, forming a small waterfall that ends in a very inviting circular pond, the Piocas de Baixo.

After crossing a small stand of cork oaks, the trail continues between schist walls, now very close to the river, which is crossed again, this time via the Abelheira Bridge, a wide, wooden structure. On the opposite bank, the trail begins a moderate climb to Ermelo, where you encounter the terraced farmland typical of mountainous areas, featuring a system of canals to channel water and a system of sluice gates to direct it to the various terraces. Upon reaching the main street, turn right to return to the start of the route.