Porto de Vacas - Xiqueiro Epic Climb

Xiqueiro

The ascent starts in the village of Porto de Vacas, civil parish of Janeiro de Baixo, in the municipality of Pampilhosa da Serra, near the bridge over the River Zêzere. Exiting the bridge and turning left, the first meters of the climb cross the village itself, some steep ramps having a gradient over 10 %. The route continues along the M1408 road for 3 km, with a very good pavement and a gradient of about 7 %, with no rest stops. We are inside an extensive pine forest, but some clearings allow us to see, on the left, a high road, letting us guest what lies ahead. Approximately 8 km from the top, we join the M545 road, turning left towards Portela de Unhais. The vegetation is more sparse and it is possible to enjoy unobstructed views to the southwest, where the winding River Zêzere is located. We pass Machialinho and Selada Porta, locations that mark the start of the hardest kilometre to climb, with an average gradient of 9.1 %, after which we arrived at Portela de Unhais. We are now 4 km from the end of the climb; here, we turn right onto the CM1374 road. Take the opportunity to catch your breath and prepare for the demanding beginning of the last climb. The initial ramps with a 14 % gradient are a test to cyclists’ endurance. We then follow along a ridge, now with less severe gradients and in the company of towers turbines, where wind can be an obstacle. After a wide left turn, we reach the end of the climb, next to the municipalities border of Pampilhosa da Serra and Covilhã.