Lousã – Trevim Epic Climb

The Lousã - Trevim Epic Climb starts near the Carlos Reis Park, in Lousã, following the numerous curves, turning left and right on the N236 for more than 20 km.

The pavement is in good condition and the gradient is low (between 2 % and 5.5 %). Along almost all the extension of the route, this climb is framed by lush vegetation. Several streams run along the right side of the road, at the bottom of very closed valleys, rarely letting themselves be seen: the River Arouce, the São João Stream, the Cerdeira Stream and the Candal Stream, which we will cross next to the Aldeia do Xisto of the same name. This is the perfect spot for you to replenish your energy, enjoy the fresh water from a 1941 fountain or enjoy the view over the Candal Stream from the Aldeias do Xisto Shop esplanade. With the rising altitude, the landscape begins to change a little. The vegetation is less exuberant, there are more clearings and the first wind farms appear, which will accompany us all the way to Trevim. When there are little less than 6 kilometres to the end of the climb, and already at close to 1000 meters of altitude, we leave the N236 and turn left, towards a forest road in the middle of pine trees that seem to want to surpass the wind turbines in height. From here, the tared pavement becomes rougher and in some place, it is necessary to pay even more attention to void bike punctures, especially going down. It is a mountain road, where we follow the ridge, with a small descent and ascend before the final stretch to the top. The biggest difficulties of the climb are reserved for the last more challenging 2 kilometres, with average gradients of 6 % and 7.9 %, some stretches reaching up to 10-11 %. A rougher pavement, due to harsh Winters and an increasingly scarce vegetation, leaves us totally exposed to the wind which, in turn, increases the difficulty, making the conquering of this Epic Climb even more valued.