recommended route
PR 9 - Baile Trail
Hiking trail
· Portugal
-
Serra da LousãPhoto: Aldeias do Xisto
Inserted in the Natura 2000 Network, the Baile Trail takes you through the surroundings of Aigra Velha and Pena. The encounter with history, tradition and a remarkable flora and fauna are the highlights.
moderate
Distance 12.8 km
5:00 h
885 m
885 m
873 m
589 m
This is a route where altitude levels will teach you about the different types of climate, soil, vegetation and the habitats of wildlife such as deer, wild boar, foxes and more. After being in a hot and dry higher area, you can enjoy the cool watercourses, which will help relax and make you want to come back. The Schist Villages which you will visit have unique features and only the locals can reveal some of their secrets.
Author’s recommendation
Enjoy the landscape and make the most of the hideaways to enjoy a snack and regain your energy.
Book your stay, experience or meal at Book in Xisto.
Author
Aldeias do Xisto
Update: February 17, 2020
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
873 m
Lowest point
589 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Watch out for the heat in the summer and cold in the winter, which makes the floor more slippery.
Useful contacts
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 are to be found in the riverside areas. 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 (1205m). 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. Here you can also visit the Claro family Oven and Still (information at the Aigra Nova Shop). Povorais is the highest village in the municipality, situated next to Penedos de Góis, the ideal place to appreciate the surrounding landscape. In Pena Village, look for the mill, the Neves family private museum and have a drink at the village shop.
Gastronomy
- Heather Honey
- Chanfana stew
- Serrana Soup
- Rice Puddin
- Tigelada sweet
- Chestnut Soup
- Migas with chestnuts
Start
Aigra Velha (643 m)
Coordinates:
DD
40.111384, -8.132350
DMS
40°06'41.0"N 8°07'56.5"W
UTM
29T 573942 4440480
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Destination
Aigra Velha
Turn-by-turn directions
The route begins in the Aigra Velha Schist Village. After visiting the village, follow the signs that will lead you from the big road to Oitava Park. Be quiet, a deer might be watching you, so don't miss your chance to see it too. After passing a few apiaries, you will come to the picnic park. Enjoy a snack and get your energy back. You can also cool off in the small dam located a little above the park. Don’t leave rubbish in the containers, because wild animals, like foxes and wild boar, are likely to destroy them and spread the rubbish around. When you’ve got your strength back, follow the big road again. A few metres ahead, go down the path on your left. Pass among the chestnut trees and hollies and, after the watercourse, there is a climb to Povorais Village, the highest in the municipality and the closest to Penedos de Góis. After visiting the village, continue to your left amidst the pine trees. You will see Pena Village in the background, which is a must-see. On your way down, you will pass near Penedo da Abelha, a place suitable for rock climbing. Pena is also a Schist Village. Pay a visit and follow the levada channel near the river. From here it’s all uphill to Velha Aigra, where your journey ends. This route has a variant that shortens the journey in half, going directly from Aigra Velha to Povorais.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Coordinates
DD
40.111384, -8.132350
DMS
40°06'41.0"N 8°07'56.5"W
UTM
29T 573942 4440480
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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
12.8 km
Duration
5:00 h
Ascent
885 m
Descent
885 m
Highest point
873 m
Lowest point
589 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
Rating
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