Long distance hiking trail recommended route

The Wild Start - Manteigas > Vale de Amoreira - GRZ on Foot: Stage 2

Long distance hiking trail · Portugal
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  • The Wild Start - Manteigas > Vale de Amoreira - GRZ: Stage 2
    The Wild Start - Manteigas > Vale de Amoreira - GRZ: Stage 2
    Photo: Diogo Martins, Aldeias do Xisto
m 700 600 500 10 8 6 4 2 km
Departing from Manteigas, the section of GRZ continues on the right bank of the Zêzere on a balcony path between beeches and oaks, surrounded by spectacular landscapes.
moderate
Distance 11.7 km
3:00 h
250 m
405 m
795 m
550 m
Manteigas is right in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, encased in the mountainous chain that includes the Natural Park of the same name. From this point the GRZ leaves Manteigas, continuing along the right bank of the Zêzere on a balcony path between beeches and oaks, with wonderful views over Sameiro and Vale do Zêzere. The route is about 12km long.

Author’s recommendation

Along the way, enjoy the spectacular views over Sameiro and the Zêzere Valley. Book your stay, experience and meal at Book in Xisto.

 

Waymarks > 3- It’s missing signs in at least one crossroad that can compromise the navigation without a map or GPS.

Conservation of the path > 4- In a good overall status of conservation with some isolated situations.

General conservation > 4- There aren’t any specific degraded areas identified.

Information boards and signs > 1- Nonexistent or without minimum quality

Complementary boards > 1- Nonexistent or without minimum quality

Safety and suport structures > 4- Well-maintained essential structures

Local community integration > 3- Interaction / occasional contacts with the community

Landscape integration > 4- Well integrated into the landscape and with points of interest

General Safety > 4- Has occasional low-risk situations

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Author
Aldeias do Xisto
Update: January 10, 2023
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
795 m
Lowest point
550 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
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Dec

Track types

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Safety information

 

Take the necessary precautions for high temperatures in summer and slippery terrain in the winter. The levels of difficulty and times given are only indicative. They were calculated on a physical effort basis and do not include stops. Make your estimate by analising the technical data of path to be taken.

 

We recommend using GPS or APP at the beginning of the stage.

This path has a section of technical track so it is recommended to use poles.

 

Contact information

SOS Emergency: 112

SOS Forest: 117

Manteigas Municipal Council: (+351) 275 980 000 | turismo@cm-manteigas.pt

Tips and hints

The municipality of Manteigas, in the middle of the Estrela Mountain Range Nature Park offers visitors a diverse landscape with unparalleled attractions of great beauty and tranquillity, allowing intimate contact with nature.

The Estrela Mountain is Portugal’s only mountain where the glacial activity can be felt in such a unique way, imprinting itself in the landscape as polished rocks, erratic blocks, large coves, morays and glacial lagoons and deep U-shaped valleys.Water is a structuring element, allowing economic activities to develop around it. Investments made on thermal baths, at Estância Termal – Caldas de Manteigas, and trout farming at Viveiro das Trutas are but a few examples.

Pastoralism and related activities gave rise to an industry linked to wool, which motivates the annual Expo Estrela.Places not to be missed include the waterfall at the Paulo Luís Martins Fountain, which never stops spouting its refreshing water, Poço do Inferno ["Hell Well"], the waterfall with approximately 10 m that originates in the gorge formed by the Leandres Stream, and the Penhas Douradas ["Golden Cliffs"].It is worth making the most of the passage through the Amoreira Valley to visit Cruzeiro, the main church, the Alminhas Fountain and other fountains. The river beaches and natural landscapes are also striking attractions in this region.

 

Gastronomy

- Sausages

- Chouriça [traditional smoked sausage], Farinheira [wheat-pork based sausage] and Morcela [Black Pudding]

- Sheep and goat cheeses

- Rye bread and corn bread

- Caldudo (dried chestnut broth – piladas)

- Pumpkin soup

- Locally produced brown or rainbow trout

- Feijoca stew with pork cuts

- Serrana style stew

- Deboned lean pork vinha d’alho style [in a wine vinegar marinade]

- Oven-baked beans

- Desserts: Cottage cheese with pumpkin jam, rice pudding, crista [crest] cake, milk cakes, cavacas [syrup cakes], esquecidos [biscuits] and bean pastries

- Juniper brandy

- Jeropiga [Sweet wine liqueur]

Start

Manteigas Lat.: 40° 23' 46.68" NLong.: 7° 32' 19.14" W (705 m)
Coordinates:
DD
40.396127, -7.538316
DMS
40°23'46.1"N 7°32'17.9"W
UTM
29T 624047 4472750
w3w 
///simplest.waggles.orators
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Destination

Vale da Amoeira Lat.: 40° 24' 45.72" NLong.: 7° 26' 51.612" W

Turn-by-turn directions

From this point the GRZ leaves Manteigas, continuing along the right bank of the Zêzere on a balcony path between beeches and oaks, with wonderful views over Sameiro and Vale do Zêzere. Before reaching Vale da Amoreira, the GRZ passes by the Sameiro river beach, where you can also find the Campsite and the Skiparque.

Note


all notes on protected areas

Coordinates

DD
40.396127, -7.538316
DMS
40°23'46.1"N 7°32'17.9"W
UTM
29T 624047 4472750
w3w 
///simplest.waggles.orators
Show on Map
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

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Difficulty
moderate
Distance
11.7 km
Duration
3:00 h
Ascent
250 m
Descent
405 m
Highest point
795 m
Lowest point
550 m
Multi-stage route Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna 'Healthy climate'

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