recommended route
PR 1 GOI - Schist Traditions Route
Hiking trail
· Portugal
-
Photo: Aldeias do Xisto
The Schist Walking Trail of the villages of Góis is a circular route that unites the four Aldeias do Xisto in the municipality of Góis: Aigra Nova, Aigra Velha, Pena e Comareira.
moderate
Distance 9.2 km
4:00 h
693 m
693 m
792 m
543 m
This circular route links the four schist villages in Góis Municipality: Aigra Nova, Aigra Velha, Pena and Comareira. You can start the route at any of the villages, but there are information panels on this Schist Route in Pena and Aigra Nova. You can also get information at the Schist Villages Shop in Aigra Nova. As this is a 9-km mountain trail, it requires some physical preparation. Along the route you will come across traditions, history, ethnography and landscapes as far as the eye can see. It is inside the Natura 2000 – Serra da Lousã Network, and you may come across deer, birds of prey or black storks.
Author’s recommendation
Keep an eye out for the landscapes, rock formations and fauna. There may be a chance to encounter deer, birds of prey, otters or black storks.
Book your stay, experience or meal at Book in Xisto.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
792 m
Lowest point
543 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Take into account that it is hot in summer and cold in winter.
Emergency number: 112
SOS Forest fires: 117
GNR (police) Góis: (+351) 235 770 160
ADXTUR - Schist Village Network - 275 647 700 | 960 101 873
Tips and hints
This hiking trail is part of the Natura 2000 – Serra de Lousã Network, precisely because you can find some species of wild flora and fauna of great importance in terms of environmental conservation. Some chestnut trees and oak groves can still be seen, although pine and eucalyptus trees are predominant. In riverside areas, you will find Portuguese laurel and holly trees. If you look closely you may spot some traces of deer, wild boar, squirrels and foxes. Otters and golden-striped salamanders can be found in the Pena riverside area. Black storks nest in Penedos de Góis (rock faces), but it is more likely that you will see birds of prey or even the white stork. These rock faces are unique and are among the highest points in Serra da Lousã (1204m). Between Aigra Nova and Aigra Velha villages, heather is intensively used by the locals to produce typical Serra da Lousã honey. Near Pena Village, you can still find marine fossils in Penedos de Góis.In Comareira Village, so named due to its location at the top (cume) of a mountain, you can sit in the viewpoint and feel like you’re on top of the world. Due to the harsh climate, both Aigras (old and new) have unique characteristics. In Aigra Nova go to the Schist Villages shop, at Rua dos Bois, and ask for informations on the Ecomusuem Tradições do Xisto. While you’re there, why not sponsor a tree – help the reforestation of the mountain. Aigra Velha Village has a defence system seen only in the oldest medieval villages and towns in Portugal: in the old days, the only street that crossed the village could be closed at both ends. In Pena Village look out for marine fossils, windmills, rock faces and the Pena River or the D. Giselda. Private Museum. Right at the top you can also observe the old haysheds.
Gastronomy
- Heather Honey
- Chanfana stew
- Serrana Soup
- Rice Pudding
- Tigelada sweet
- Chestnut Soup
- Migas with chestnuts
Start
Two entry points: Aldeia da Aigra Nova - village entrance.( 40º 7' 15'' N 8º 9' 14'' W) Aldeia da Pena - village entrance near the bridge (40º 6' 36'' N 8º 8' 6'' W) (601 m)
Coordinates:
DD
40.120918, -8.153750
DMS
40°07'15.3"N 8°09'13.5"W
UTM
29T 572108 4441521
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Destination
Two entry points: Aldeia da Aigra Nova - village entrance.( 40º 7' 15'' N 8º 9' 14'' W) Aldeia da Pena - village entrance near the bridge (40º 6' 36'' N 8º 8' 6'' W)
Turn-by-turn directions
This circular route links the four schist villages in Góis Municipality: Aigra Nova, Aigra Velha, Pena and Comareira. It can be used as a connection between some of them or even to go around all of them. There are two information panels, one in Pena and another in Aigra Nova, where it we recommend you start your hike. The Schist Villages Shop and the Headquarters of the Lousitânea Association are in Aigra Nova. You can find out all you need about the route and the Schist Villages here. When you leave, heading in an anti-clockwise direction and climbing the old path, you will pass the Fonte do Bois (cattle fountain), where shepherds still take their flocks to drink. Aigra Velha Village is longer very far away and you will be able to see its schist houses once you reach the top of the trail. After visiting the village, continue down towards the Pena River. Along the way you can see the majestic Penedos de Góis. When you get to the river, and if you’re quiet enough, you might have the good fortune to spot an otter. Following a levada channel downstream, you arrive at Pena Village, near Penedo da Abelha, famous for its magnificent rock faces for climbing. Leaving the village along a path that leads up the hill you will pass by some very interesting rock formations. You can sometimes catch a glimpse of Serra da Estrela from the top of the hill. Descending now amid pine trees, it won’t take long to reach Comareira. Then you can sit and relax at the viewpoint and gaze at the surrounding landscape Aigra Nova Village is right next door, after one last climb.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Coordinates
DD
40.120918, -8.153750
DMS
40°07'15.3"N 8°09'13.5"W
UTM
29T 572108 4441521
w3w
///warthogs.quite.grumble
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
9.2 km
Duration
4:00 h
Ascent
693 m
Descent
693 m
Highest point
792 m
Lowest point
543 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 4 Waypoints
- 4 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
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