PR1 TBU - Midões Schist Walking Trail - In the footsteps of João Brandão
Hiking trail
· Portugal
-
/ Casa João BrandãoPhoto: Aldeias do Xisto, Aldeias do Xisto -
/ Church of MidõesPhoto: Aldeias do Xisto, Aldeias do Xisto
-
/ Sepulturas em granito, MidõesPhoto: Catarina Almeida - ADXTUR, Aldeias do Xisto
-
/ Visconde de Midões PalacePhoto: Aldeias do Xisto, Aldeias do Xisto
-
/ Rio de CavalosPhoto: Catarina Almeida - ADXTUR, Aldeias do Xisto
The Midões Schist Walking Trail - Na Peugada de João Brandão [In the Footsteps of João Brandão] leads to hidden paths and allows you to discover the trails where the person after whom the route is named sought refuge.
moderate
13.5 km
3:50 h
290 m
290 m
Circular Route, approximately 15 kms, which leads through hidden paths to Coito, Casal de Senhora, São Geraldo, Touriz, Vila de Midões and to the Cavalos River banks.These paths were used in the past by João Brandão, an outstanding figure of the Beiras area, who through his defence of the liberal causes, was often a runaway throughout various locations. Along the trail there are granite monuments, mansions, “pillories", breathtaking scenery and a variety of classified monuments, such as the Sumes Roman bridge and the Midões pillory.
Author’s recommendation
Observe the huge agricultural presence for yourself and enjoy the grandiose heritage built in the village of Midões.
Book your stay, experience or meal at Book in Xisto.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
375 m
Lowest point
242 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety information
Beware of high temperatures in the summer and slippery terrain in the winter.
Useful Contacts
SOS Emergency: 112
SOS Forest: 117
GNR Tábua (police): (+351) 235 418 394
ADXTUR- Aldeias do Xisto Network: (+351) 275 647 700 | (+351) 960 101 873
Tips, hints and links
Throughout the course, one has the possibility to observe the magnificent landscapes with the Serra da Estrela mountains in the background, and, as we are at the Beira region plateau and in the heart of the Beiras region, the mountains of the Caramulo and the Lousã are almost always within eyes reach. On the other hand, the small Cavalos River, with its unusual bed, is a huge attraction in the route, in the Sumes area. Also here the fauna and Flora dot the landscape with majestic colours, where the pine and the cork oak predominate the landscape and foxes and wild boars make this location their habitat. Midões is part of the municipality of Tábua and is a region full of history and antiquity, which left traces from prehistory up to the Roman occupation, as well as more recent periods that followed the evolution of the Country, like the pillories and the manors. The village has kept alive its traditions and graceful rural look, where agricultural heritage is still of great importance, marking the population's life style. The Midões parish has in its favour the fact that it belongs to the Demarcated Region of the Serra da Estrela Cheese and the Demarcated Region of the Dão Wine, which the entire municipality of Tábua belongs to. Midões is proud of its heritage, with highlight to the Igreja Matriz (Mother Church), dating back to 1882, in honour of Nossa Senhora das Neves (Our Lady of the Snows), the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Dores (Our Lady of Sorrow) of the 19th century , the Manueline pillory, the Roman bridge and many other architectural and ethnographic legacies.Start
Outeiro de São Miguel – Municipal room for sport N 40°23.171' W 7°56.296' (373 m)
Coordinates:
DD
40.386198, -7.937955
DMS
40°23'10.3"N 7°56'16.6"W
UTM
29T 590143 4471164
w3w
///ascends.predominant.cartoons
Destination
Outeiro de São Miguel – Municipal room for sport N 40°23.171' W 7°56.296'
Turn-by-turn directions
The journey begins in the Outeiro of São Miguel, in Coito, where you can visit the São Sebastião Chapel and the pillory. Continue in the direction of the village of Midões, visiting the Caricha fountain and another pillory, as well as a remarkable set of manor houses. Go down Rua do Passadiço up to the Parish Church and the Palace of the 1st Viscount of Midões. Continue towards the former elementary school, walking along the narrow path leading to Casal da Senhora, making a small detour to visit the anthropomorphic graves excavated in granite. In Casal de Senhora, one can see the House where João Brandão was born and lived. Continue towards Cavalos River, where one can make a small detour to visit the Sumes Roman Bridge. Following the river bank, one will find the sulphurous water spout. Ahead, leave the river bank and climb towards the São Geraldo village, and continuing along the forest paths one will reach Pedra do Rei, a viewpoint over the valley and other crossing points of the route. The path now follows on the plateau, it being possible to observe the local flora and to find grazing herds. Climbing down a wooded area, one once again come upon the river bank, reaching Ribeira, finding watermills (one still in operation and with the possibility to be visited by prior appointment). Returning towards Touriz, pass by the old houses and Esporão, where an ancient fresh water fountain can be found. The circle closes in Coito to finish again in the Outeiro de São Miguel.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Coordinates
DD
40.386198, -7.937955
DMS
40°23'10.3"N 7°56'16.6"W
UTM
29T 590143 4471164
w3w
///ascends.predominant.cartoons
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
13.5 km
Duration
3:50h
Ascent
290 m
Descent
290 m
Statistics
: h
km
m
m
m
m
Questions & Answers
Got questions regarding this content? Ask them here.
Reviews
Help others by being the first to add a review.
Photos from others