HIKING, BIKING & HORSE-RIDING TRAILS NET WORK

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "HIKING, BIKING & HORSE-RIDING TRAILS NET WORK"

Spencer O’Neal’
5 years ago
Views:

HIKING, BIKING & HORSE-RIDING TRAILS NET WORK Rua Asseguia das Lages nº 8 2480-02 Alvados - Portugal t.

1 HIKING, BIKING & HORSE-RIDING TRAILS NET WORK Rua Asseguia das Lages nº Alvados - Portugal t. (005) info@cookinghotel.com Download to your GPS or smartphone from: pt.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/user.do?id=92287

2 2 / Classification of the Proposed Routes M.I.D.E. - Method of Information for Routes, is a scale of classification of hiking routes developed by the Spanish Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing. It is currently used by many other official bodies and is established as a standard of classification which is increasingly common and is easy understand. The scales presented classify and show the technical and physical requirements of the routes. The M.I.D.E. classification of a route uses 4 distinct measurements (Environment, Navigation, Terrain, Effort), each with a rating between and 5. (In Portuguese Meio, Itinerário, Deslocação, Esforço ). environment navigation terrain effort GRADING EXPLANATION ENVIRONMENT Harshness of the natural environment The environment is not free of risk There is more than risk factor There are several risk factors There are a lot of risk factors There are many risk factors NAVIGATION Level of difficulty of navigating the route Guided route, or the paths and crossings are well-defined Clear Trails or Continuity signage Requires accurate identification of land forms and compass points Requires technical navigation off trails Navigation is interrupted by obstacles that must be circumvented TERRAIN Technical difficulty of the terrain Walking on smooth surface dirt roads, sandy tracks Walking on easy trails Walking on trails or rough terrain It is necessary to use hands to maintain balance Climbing is required to progress EFFORT Physical effort required, including relevant climbing Up to hour walking - hours walking -6 hours walking 6-0 hours walking More than 0 hours walking

3 / Index of Proposed Routes. Hiking and Horse-riding Routes Castelejo (bordeaux) 2. Hiking Route Alvados-Grutas (yellow). Hiking Route Fórnea (red) 4. Hiking and Horse-riding Routes Alvados Valley (black) 5. Hiking Route Alvados Coast (blue) 5. Alvados Coast Hiking Route Alternative (light blue) 6. Hiking, Horse-riding and MTB Routes Fátima-Alvados (red) 7. Hiking, Horse-riding and MTB Routes Batalha-Alvados (green) 8. Hiking route Mira Coast (dark green) 9. Horse-riding and MTB Routes Alcobaça-Alvados (bordeaux) 0. Horse-riding and MTB Routes Candeeiros Mountains (yellow). Hiking, Horse-riding and MTB Routes Alvados-Alviela source (green) 2. Horse-riding and MTB Routes Natural Park (pink). Horse-riding and MTB Routes Alvados-Alcaria (green) 4. Horse-riding and MTB Routes Fórnea (dark green) 5. Hiking Route Priest's Ancestral Path (orange) The proposal is for a network of 5 trails with alternative route: 0 OPTIONS FOR WALKERS 8 MOUNTAIN-BIKE TRAILS 6 circular routes + 4 linear routes circular routes + 5 linear routes 0 HORSE-RIDING ROUTES 5 circular routes + 5 linear routes With this network it is possible to create multiple packages of several days and stays of a week or more in Alvados for hiking or mountain-biking. For linear routes we usually suggest that the visitor is taken to the point furthest from Alvados, these points usually coincide with a place of local interest. Once there, the visitor can decide when they want to leave to return to the Hotel along the chosen trail. Below, we present the technical information for each of the routes, the map showing the route with GPS and KML, and also the for each trail. *(network map on the next page)

4 4/ Network

70 km Approximate Time: 2h20m Approximate Riding Time: h0m Total Ascent: 57m Trail Description: Easy route, starting and finishing at the Cooking

5 5/.Hiking and Horse-riding Routes Castelejo environment navigation 2 terrain 2 Mountains Natural Park; Canada Brook; Canada Valley; Castelejo Mountains. 2 Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 6.70 km Approximate Time: 2h20m Approximate Riding Time: h0m Total Ascent: 57m Trail Description: Easy route, starting and finishing at the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel. This route will take you along the Canada Valley, skirting the Castelejo Mountain and descending to the Alvados valley. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at a walk with small adaptations. a effort

6/ 2.Hiking Route Alvados-Grutas (Caves) environment navigation 2 terrain 2 Mountains Natural Park; Alvados Village; Alvados Caves; Windmill, panoramic views across the Alvados Valley.

6 6/ 2.Hiking Route Alvados-Grutas (Caves) environment navigation 2 terrain 2 Mountains Natural Park; Alvados Village; Alvados Caves; Windmill, panoramic views across the Alvados Valley. 2 Direction: Clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 8,06 km Approximate Time: 2h0m Total Ascent: 26m Average time to visit the Caves: h Trail Description: The route starts and finishes at the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel, it passes through the centre of Alvados Village and up to the Alvados Caves. It then heads in the direction of the Castelejo Mountains, where there is an old mill and excellent views across the whole of the Alvados Valley. The route continues in the direction of Alvados and returns to the Hotel. a effort

Fórnea Brook until it comes to the surface comes off the ground.

7 7/.Hiking Route Fórnea environment navigation terrain Mountains Natural Park; Fórnea Brook; Fórnea; Cova da Velha; Costa de Alvados. Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 0,98 km Approximate Time: h Total Ascent: 26m Trail Description: A route just for walkers, the route goes alongside the Fórnea Brook until it comes to the surface comes off the ground. There is short spur to access the Cova da Velha cave, followed by a hard climb to the top of this natural amphitheatre, which is skirted until reaching the Costa de Alvados. This section along the upper edge of the Costa de Alvados is particularly rewarding for the panoramic views over the Alvados Valley. The route descends down a diagonal footpath towards Alvados and the Hotel. a effort

8/ 4.Hiking and Horse-riding Routes Alvados Valley environment navigation terrain Mountains Natural Park; Alvados; Fórnea Brook; Cova da Velha; Costa de Alvados.

77 km Approximate Time: 4h50m Approximate Riding Time: 2h5m Total Ascent: 465m Trail Description: An exclusively walking route that follows trails across agricultural land in the valley at the base

8 8/ 4.Hiking and Horse-riding Routes Alvados Valley environment navigation terrain Mountains Natural Park; Alvados; Fórnea Brook; Cova da Velha; Costa de Alvados. effort Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 2.77 km Approximate Time: 4h50m Approximate Riding Time: 2h5m Total Ascent: 465m Trail Description: An exclusively walking route that follows trails across agricultural land in the valley at the base of the Pena da Falsa cliff, until reaching the Fórnea Brook. Following this line of water until it reaches the surface at Fórnea. There is a short spur to visit the Cova da Velha cave, before making the hard climb to the top and along to Costa de Alvados. Here our efforts are rewarded with beautiful views, leaving only the descent down the diagonal footpath and back to the Hotel. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at a walk, a trot and a gallop with small adaptations.

9/ 5.Hiking Route through the Costa de Alvados environment navigation terrain Mountains Natural Park; Fórnea Brook; Chão das Pias, Fórnea; Costa de Alvados; Campo de Lapiás; Algar do Ladoeiro;

From here, in the whole area of Chão das Pias you can observe the huge geological formation the recollé effort Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 20,5 km Approximate

9 9/ 5.Hiking Route through the Costa de Alvados environment navigation terrain Mountains Natural Park; Fórnea Brook; Chão das Pias, Fórnea; Costa de Alvados; Campo de Lapiás; Algar do Ladoeiro; Windmill. Description of Route: An interesting high-level route, starting along the base of Costa de Alvados, crossing Fórnea Brook, and then climbing up to Cabeço da Fórnea. From here, in the whole area of Chão das Pias you can observe the huge geological formation the recollé effort Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 20,5 km Approximate Time: 5h42m Total Ascent: 799m of Fórnea, one of the highlights of this walk. From here there is a link to the upper part of Costa de Alvados, where the route goes alongside the typical dry-stone walls known locally as chouzos. We go around the Algar do Ladoeiro, but we need to be very careful because the limestone slabs can be slippery and could cause a dangerous fall. Ahead is Campo de Lapiás a geological formation created by the erosion of limestone slabs. There is an old windmill and excellent views across the Alvados Valley. After walking along the ridge of the Castelejo Mountains, we descend to the hotel, enjoying views of the geological depression or hollow of Alvados.

10 0 / 5..Alternative Hiking Route Costa de Alvados environment navigation terrain effort 2 Type of Route: Linear Distance:.59 km Approximate Time: h Total Ascent: 8m Total Descent: 00m Description of Route: An alternative option for those wishing to shorten the route for any reason. Starting at the descent of the contour lines, head in the direction of Vale da Canada, and finish at the Hotel.

here and go to Alvados. The reverse direction is a little more difficult due to a greater total elevation (446m).

11 / 6.Hiking, Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Fátima-Alvados environment navigation terrain effort Type of Route: Linear Distance:.90 km Approximate Time on Foot: 5h40m Approximate Time by Bike: 2h0m Approximate Riding Time: h0m Total Ascent: 85m Advised Direction: Fátima-Alvados, with a vehicle transfer to Fátima, start from here and go to Alvados. The reverse direction is a little more difficult due to a greater total elevation (446m). Average time to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima: h Average time to visit the Pia do Urso Sensory Eco-park: 40m Mountains Natural Park; Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima; Shepherds' Path "Via sacra"; Windmills; Pia do Urso (village, mountain bike centre, and Sensory Eco-park); Alvados. Description of Route: Leaving the sanctuary, head south towards the roundabout, here we join the Shepherds' Path, until Calvary. We a continue along rural paths and forest tracks until we come to the windmills. At Pia do Urso we can visit the Sensory Eco-park, and recharge our batteries in one of the cafés or restaurants. The route continues through the area of Serras d'aire and Candeeiros Natural Park, passing through a number of traditional villages typical of the Estremaduran Limestone Massif, descending into the Alvados Valley and finishing at the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at a walk, a trot and a gallop with small adaptations.

2 / 7.Hiking, Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Batalha-Alvados environment navigation terrain effort 4 Type of Route: Linear Distance: 24.

from here (Ponte da Boutaca) to return to Alvados. In the opposite direction it becomes easier, because there is less climbing (45m) and more descent, and it can also be done by bike or on foot.

12 2 / 7.Hiking, Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Batalha-Alvados environment navigation terrain effort 4 Type of Route: Linear Distance: km Approximate Time on Foot: 6h20m Approximate Time by Bike: 2h40m Approximate Riding Time: h50m Total Ascent: 756m Advised Direction: Batalha-Alvados, with a vehicle transfer to Batalha, leaving from here (Ponte da Boutaca) to return to Alvados. In the opposite direction it becomes easier, because there is less climbing (45m) and more descent, and it can also be done by bike or on foot. Average time to visit the Batalha Monastery: h0m Mountains Natural Park; Boutaca Bridge; Batalha Monastery; Batalha Church; River Lena, Barrojeiras Mines now disused; Old mining railway line at Lena; Cerejal Wood; Alcaria Equestrian Centre; Fórnea Brook; Costa de Alvados; Alvados Valley. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at a walk, a trot and a gallop with small adaptations. Description of the Route: The route starts at Boutaca Bridge, unique in Portugal, because it still has the homes of the toll collectors. A little after we find the magnificent Batalha Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which deserves a visit, then we pass through the historic zone with its parish church. The walk goes along the old disused Lena railway line, and along the River Lena. You can take a short diversion to visit the Barrojeiras Mines, now disused. On resuming the route, we go through the beautiful Cerejal woodland, a magnificent area that is protected for nature conservation. We now follow tracks through the mountain environment and into the Serras D Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park, with various limestone formations and vegetation native to the Mediterranean. Arriving at Alcaria, there is the Equestrian Centre and we go along a small track beside which are some curious caves. We pass a typical Bica café (and a drinking water fountain), after, there is a short section alongside the Fórnea Brook, we then go along the base of the Costa de Alvados, passing through the spectacular

/ 8.Hiking Route Costa de Mira environment navigation terrain Mountains Natural Park; Costa de Alvados; Canada Brook; Canada Valley; Castelejo Mountains; Santo António Caves; Penedo Padrão; Costa de

It begins at the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel and follows the first part of the Canada Brook until entering the Vale da Canada, a special place.

13 / 8.Hiking Route Costa de Mira environment navigation terrain Mountains Natural Park; Costa de Alvados; Canada Brook; Canada Valley; Castelejo Mountains; Santo António Caves; Penedo Padrão; Costa de Mira; Source of the River Pena; Watermill; Mira de Aire Caves; Alvados. Description of Route: A spectacular walk with a series of points of interest that will captivate you. It begins at the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel and follows the first part of the Canada Brook until entering the Vale da Canada, a special place. Then we head towards the Santo António caves which deserve a visit. effort 4 Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: km Approximate Time: 8h Total Ascent: 768m Average time to visit the Caves: h From here, already at the top of the Costa de Mira, we pass the Penedo Padrão, a place with huge caves. During the walk, there are panoramic views of the Mira-Minde polje fields, a geological formation typical of the Estremaduran Limestone Massif, which in winters with heavy rain is transformed into the Minde Sea. After making the steep diagonal descent to Costa de Mira, the walk has two options. The complete walk (in dry weather) turns right and heads to the centre of Mira d'aire, with the possibility of visiting the imposing Mira de Aire Caves, and the source of the River Pena, which is known as Olho d'água eye of the water. Here there are interesting limestone formations. Alternatively, you can turn left and shorten the walk (this is necessary in winter, when the polje field is full of water), saving about 8 km. From this point the route heads to Alvados and the comfort of the Hotel. 2

Alcobaça, leaving from here to Alvados. The route can be made in the opposite direction, and is slightly easier given the lower total ascent (928m).

14 9.Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Alcobaça-Alvados 4 / Grading: Level of 4 (Red) Type of Route: Linear Distance: 40.0 km Approximate Time by bike: 4h00 Approximate Riding Time: 7h5m Average Time to visit the Alcobaça Monastery: h0m Total Ascent: 05m Advised Direction: Alcobaça-Alvados, with a vehicle transfer to Alcobaça, leaving from here to Alvados. The route can be made in the opposite direction, and is slightly easier given the lower total ascent (928m). Points of Interest: PAire and Candeeiros Mountains Natural Park; Alcobaça; Alcobaça Monastery; Memória Arch; Bezerra Cycle Path; River Lena; Lena Valley; Fórnea Brook; Costa de Alvados. Description of the Route: The route has historic interest. A visit to the Alcobaça Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is recommended, as well as the famous Monges de Cister Library, before you begin the cycle ride in Alcobaça (or at the end of the ride, if you cycle in the opposite direction). From Alcobaça we leave on the tarmac EN8 road in the direction of Serra dos Candeeiros, that climbs up and gives a magnificent panoramic view of the whole region along the ridge where we cycle. We pass through the Memorial Arch and descend to Bezerra village where we join the cycle path, this used to be the Lena Railway Line, but is now an Eco-pista. We pass through a tunnel, at the end of which is an old windmill. We descend the mountain and follow the River Lena until its source. Climbing again we pass by Fórnea Brook and follow the base of Costa de Alvados until we reach the Hotel. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at trot and a gallop, in some points walk.

0.Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes 5 / Serra dos Candeeiros Grading: Level 4 of 4 (Black) Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 5.

15 0.Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes 5 / Serra dos Candeeiros Grading: Level 4 of 4 (Black) Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 5.27 km Approximate Time by bike: 5h Approximate Riding Time: 9h Total Ascent: 250m Mountains Natural Park; Costa de Alvados; Fórnea Brook; River Lena; Lena Valley; Bezerra Cycle Path; Memória Arch; Arrimal Lakes; Windmills; Limestone Features; Canada Brook; Canada Valley. Descrição do Percurso: this route is for enthusiastic mountain-bikers, traversing the Santo António and Serra dos Candeeiros plateau, using tracks typical to the Estremaduran Limestone Massif, and enjoying the countryside of this area, its villages and people. It is a route that provides technical challenges, single tracks, the Bezerra Eco-pista Cycle Path, steep climbs, lots of stone and few water points. It is a difficult route, for which it is advisable to have good physical fitness, a high level of experience of mountain-biking, the proper equipment and you need to carry a good supply of water. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at a walk, a trot and a gallop with small adaptations.

.Hiking, Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Percurso Pedestre Alvados - Grutas Alvados-Source of the River Alviela environment navigation terrain 2 6 / effort esforço Type of Route: Linear

16 .Hiking, Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Percurso Pedestre Alvados - Grutas Alvados-Source of the River Alviela environment navigation terrain 2 6 / effort esforço Type of Route: Linear Distance: 8.4 km Approximate time on Foot: 4h6m Approximate time by Bike: 2h Approximate Riding Time: h Total Ascent: 289m Advised Direction: AAlvados-Source of the River Alviela, ending with a vehicle transfer back to the Hotel. In the opposite direction the route becomes more difficult since it has more climbing (60m), the route can be done by bike or on foot. If you are doing the route by bike, we recommend that you take a bike-lock and leave the bike at Carsoscópio, and complete the route on foot. Average time to visit the Science Centre at Alviela Carsoscópio: h0m Mountains Natural Park; Costa de Alvados; Canada Brook; Cheirinho Mountains; Source of the River Alviela; Alviela Science Centre. Description of Route: The route starts at the Hotel and follows the base of Costa de Alvados, and we climb the only steep section of the route. A little after we reach the small village of Barreira da Junqueira, with its pleasant garden. Now we follow mountain tracks in the Serras D'Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park, with various limestone formations and native Mediterranean vegetation. Arriving at the Olhos de Água, source of the River Alviela, we find the Science Centre, which is worth a visit. To complete the route, we follow the small track alongside the Amiais Stream, where we can observe an interesting fluvial-karst canyon. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at trot and a gallop with small adaptations.

2.Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Natural Park 7 / Grading: Level of 4 (Red) Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 40.

17 2.Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Natural Park 7 / Grading: Level of 4 (Red) Advised Direction: Anti-clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: km Approximate Time by bike: 4h Approximate Riding Time: 7h5m Average time to visit the Science Centre at Alviela: h0m Total Ascent: 864m Mountains Natural Park; Cheirinho Mountains; Costa de Alvados; Canada Brook; Source of the River Alviela; Alviela Science Centre; Eira Mountains; Windmills. Description of Route: The route is for mountain-bike enthusiasts, traversing the eastern uplands of the Serra de Candeeiros Natural Park, using tracks typical to the Estremaduran Limestone Massif, and enjoying the countryside special to this area, its villages and people. It is a route which offers technical challenges, single tracks, steep climbs, and lots of stone. It is a difficult, but very interesting route, and includes some very beautiful areas, such as the Source of the River Alviela (known as Olhos de Água), where we find the Science Centre, which is worth a visit. To ride this trail, we advise that you have good physical fitness, a high level of experience of mountain-biking, the proper equipment and carry a good supply of water. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at a walk, a trot and a gallop with small adaptations.

.Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes 8 / Alvados-Alcaria Grading: Level 2 of 4 (Blue) Advised Direction: Clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 5.

18 .Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes 8 / Alvados-Alcaria Grading: Level 2 of 4 (Blue) Advised Direction: Clockwise Type of Route: Circular Distance: 5.8 km Approximate Time by bike: h0m Approximate Riding Time: 2h0m Total Ascent: 2m Mountains Natural Park; Fórnea Brook; Fórnea; Costa de Alvados; Alcaria; Equestrian Centre, Alvados. Description of Route: Moderate route. Ideal for a mountain-bike ride, of a moderate grade, and accessible to most people. Leaving the Hotel, we take the dirt road towards Fórnea. There we can admire the splendour and particular beauty of this place. We go back and follow the Fórnea Brook to the tarmac road which takes us to Alcaria. We pass the Equestrian Centre and head towards Alvados, passing through the centre of the village and finishing at the Hotel. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at a walk, a trot and a gallop with small adaptations.

19 9 / 4.Horse-riding and Mountain Bike Routes Fórnea Grading: Level of 4 (Green) Type of Route: Linear Distance: 0.9 km Approximate Time by bike: h Approximate Riding Time: h20m Total Ascent: m Mountains Natural Park; Fórnea Brook; Fórnea; Costa de Alvados; Alvados. Description of Route: Easy route. Ideal for a mountain-bike ride, the grade is easy and reasonably accessible for all cyclists. Leaving the Hotel, we take the dirt road towards Fórnea. There we can admire the splendour and particular beauty of this place. We turn back and we follow the Fórnea Brook. We turn right and finish at the Hotel. In horse-riding the route is mainly done at a walk, a trot and a gallop with small adaptations.

Total Ascent: m Grading: Level 2 Mountains Natural Park; Fórnea Brook; Costa de Alvados; Alvados.

20 20 / 5.Hiking Route Priest's Ancient Path environment navigation terrain effort Type of Route: Circular Direction: Clockwise Distance: 0,9 km Total Ascent: m Grading: Level 2 Mountains Natural Park; Fórnea Brook; Costa de Alvados; Alvados. Description of Route: Route starting in "Carvalhal de Alvados", following the ancestral Priest's Way by the difficult and direct climb of "Costa de Alvados" slope to arrive in "Santo António" plateau. The path continues along the ridge passing by the cave "Algar das Gralhas" and descending diagonally to "Alvados". - a

/ Rua Asseguia das Lages nº 8 2480-02 Alvados -

21 / Rua Asseguia das Lages nº Alvados - Portugal t. (005) info@cookinghotel.com Download to your GPS or smartphone from: pt.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/user.do?id=92287

Note: Coordinates are provided as Universal Transverse Mercator UTM Zone U21, North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83).

Note: Coordinates are provided as Universal Transverse Mercator UTM Zone U21, North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83). Northern Traverse Route Description The Northern Traverse (formerly the North Rim Traverse) is an unmarked and rugged backcountry hiking route. It is known be a demanding hike, because of its terrain and