Moderate-to-challenging walking on more rugged terrain with significant ascents / descents on most days. Compass skills may be required (check the individual holiday).
The season for this holiday is:
01 April 2023 - 14 July 2023
20 August 2023 - 31 October 2023
01 April 2024 - 14 July 2024
20 August 2024 - 31 October 2024
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| °C | 12 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 13 |
| mm | 166 | 157 | 119 | 104 | 90 | 48 | 16 | 23 | 66 | 132 | 161 | 170 |
We can only accept payment in GBP, but you can use this converter to find out how much the holiday equates to in your own currency.
7 nights: 01 April 2023 - 14 July 2023, 20 August 2023 - 31 October 2023, 01 April 2024 - 14 July 2024 & 20 August 2024 - 31 October 2024
Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above
| Starting | Price | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr - 21 May 2023 | £975 | £425 |
| 22 May - 25 Jun 2023 | £995 | £440 |
| 26 Jun - 7 Jul 2023 | £1045 | £475 |
| 20 Aug - 7 Sep 2023 | £1105 | £520 |
| 8 - 13 Sep 2023 | £1045 | £475 |
| 14 - 30 Sep 2023 | £995 | £440 |
| 1 - 24 Oct 2023 | £975 | £425 |
| 1 Apr - 14 Jun 2024 | £995 | £335 |
| 15 Jun - 14 Jul 2024 | £1015 | £375 |
| 20 Aug - 12 Sep 2024 | £1125 | £430 |
| 13 - 26 Sep 2024 | £1015 | £345 |
| 27 Sep - 24 Oct 2024 | £965 | £315 |
| 3rd & 4th person discount | -£75 to -£77 | |
| Single traveller supplement | £75 to £77 |
Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.
Room upgrades (£ per person per night)
| Hotel Ribeira Collection, Arcos de Valdevez | ||
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2023 | £32 | |
| Panoramic: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2023 | £32 | |
| Panoramic: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2024 | £10 | |
| Panoramic: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2024 | £10 |
| Hotel Águas do Gerês, Gerês | ||
|---|---|---|
| Suite: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2023 | £28 | |
| Suite: 20 Aug - 15 Sep 2023 | £40 | |
| Suite: 16 Sep - 31 Oct 2023 | £28 | |
| Suite: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2024 | £25 | |
| Suite: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2024 | £25 | |
| Superior: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2023 | £12 | |
| Superior: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2023 | £12 | |
| Superior: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2024 | £9 | |
| Superior: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2024 | £9 |
| Hotel São Bento da Porta Aberta, Rio Caldo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Suite: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2023 | £16 | |
| Suite: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2023 | £16 | |
| Suite: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2024 | £10 | |
| Suite: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2024 | £10 | |
| Superior: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2023 | £12 | |
| Superior: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2023 | £12 | |
| Superior: 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2024 | £6 | |
| Superior: 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2024 | £6 |
Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room
| Hotel Ribeira Collection, Arcos de Valdevez (B&B) | Double room | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Apr - 09 Apr 2023 | £48 | £96 |
| 10 Apr - 27 Apr 2023 | £70 | £136 |
| 28 Apr - 25 Jun 2023 | £48 | £96 |
| 26 Jun - 14 Jul 2023 | £76 | £152 |
| 20 Aug - 31 Aug 2023 | £76 | £152 |
| 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2023 | £48 | £96 |
| 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2024 | £67 | £134 |
| 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2024 | £67 | £134 |
| Pousada Mosteiro Amares, Santa Maria do Bouro (B&B) | Double room | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Apr - 14 Jul 2024 | £85 | £170 |
| 20 Aug - 31 Oct 2024 | £85 | £170 |
Travelling from the UK
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen - Porto (via Amsterdam Schiphol) | KLM |
| Aberdeen - Porto (via Paris CDG) | Air France, KLM |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Birmingham - Porto | Ryanair |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh - Porto | Ryanair |
| Edinburgh - Porto (via Amsterdam Schiphol) | KLM |
| Edinburgh - Porto (via Barcelona) | Vueling |
| Edinburgh - Porto (via Geneva) | easyJet |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Glasgow - Porto | easyJet |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Leeds Bradford - Porto (via Amsterdam Schiphol) | KLM |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Liverpool - Porto | Ryanair |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Gatwick - Porto | British Airways, easyJet, TAP Air Portugal |
| Gatwick - Porto (via Geneva) | easyJet |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Heathrow - Porto | British Airways, TAP Air Portugal |
| Heathrow - Porto (via Lisbon) | TAP Air Portugal |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Stansted - Porto | Ryanair |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Manchester - Porto | easyJet, Ryanair |
| Manchester - Porto (via Brussels) | Brussels Airlines |
| Manchester - Porto (via Frankfurt) | Lufthansa |
| Manchester - Porto (via Lisbon) | TAP Air Portugal |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Newcastle - Porto (via Amsterdam Schiphol) | KLM |
| Newcastle - Porto (via Brussels) | Brussels Airlines |
| Newcastle - Porto (via Paris CDG) | KLM |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Norwich - Porto (via Amsterdam Schiphol) | KLM |
This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.
Connecting travel options - flying via Porto
| Outward route | Price per person |
Latest flight arrival time |
|---|---|---|
| coach Porto airport to Arcos de Valdevez (1h50) | £18-£20 | 1600 (1430 Sat & Sun) |
| direct taxi Porto airport to hotel (1h10) | £56-£62 | flexible |
| Homeward route | Price per person |
Earliest flight departure time |
|---|---|---|
| bus Amares to Braga bus station (0h40, pay locally), bus Braga to Porto airport (0h50, pay locally) | pay locally | 1230 |
| taxi hotel to Braga bus station (0h40), bus Braga to Porto airport (0h50, pay locally) | £42-£46 | 1230 |
| direct taxi hotel to Porto airport (1h10) | £74-£81 | flexible |
If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?
We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >
We thoroughly enjoy the energising walks. The scenery and tranquility of the landscape was wonderful and staff at all the hotels were very welcoming and hospitable.
The holiday itself was fabulous. This was our seventh holiday with Inntravel and our only criticism lies with customer services. Calls were not returned, mistakes were made and there were few if any apologies. Because we were given details of flights which were non-existent, we ended up having to extend our holiday by one more night. I asked for some gesture of goodwill as this would involve extra expense. Originally Inntravel offered to pay for one of the two rooms, then increased it to both rooms. I had a confirming email to say Inntravel would cover the full cost of the rooms but in fact only credited us for standard rooms instead of suprior rooms. We had to pay substantially more for our flights (returning on a Saturday). It was only after I sent a letter to the Chief Executive that any further offer was made and, even then, it was made grudgingly and did not begin to cover the extra expense involved. However, the walking was spectacular and lived up to our expectations. This was our second walking holiday in the Peneda National Park.
We're very sorry that our service wasn't always of the high standard you have come to expect from us. We're pleased that after further discussion we were able to bring this matter to a much happier conclusion.
This was a great holiday. The walking was hard - with many steep ascents on difficult terrain. The views however were amazing and worth the climbs. A great day was when we climbed and arrived at a large swing at the highest point of out climb (day 5).
We thoroughly enjoy the energising walks. The scenery and tranquility of the landscape was wonderful and staff at all the hotels were very welcoming and hospitable.
The holiday itself was fabulous. This was our seventh holiday with Inntravel and our only criticism lies with customer services. Calls were not returned, mistakes were made and there were few if any apologies. Because we were given details of flights which were non-existent, we ended up having to extend our holiday by one more night. I asked for some gesture of goodwill as this would involve extra expense. Originally Inntravel offered to pay for one of the two rooms, then increased it to both rooms. I had a confirming email to say Inntravel would cover the full cost of the rooms but in fact only credited us for standard rooms instead of suprior rooms. We had to pay substantially more for our flights (returning on a Saturday). It was only after I sent a letter to the Chief Executive that any further offer was made and, even then, it was made grudgingly and did not begin to cover the extra expense involved. However, the walking was spectacular and lived up to our expectations. This was our second walking holiday in the Peneda National Park.
We're very sorry that our service wasn't always of the high standard you have come to expect from us. We're pleased that after further discussion we were able to bring this matter to a much happier conclusion.
This was a great holiday. The walking was hard - with many steep ascents on difficult terrain. The views however were amazing and worth the climbs. A great day was when we climbed and arrived at a large swing at the highest point of out climb (day 5).
We did the holiday at the same time as 6 other Inntravel guests. Whilst we all walked and ate separately for most of the time, it was a great addition to our holiday to have some great conversation and meet-ups whilst walking and back at the hotels. An unexpected bonus to a great week of wild and high walking in scenic mountains. Early October this year was sunny, warm and ideal for us walking.
Once again a truly wonderful experience! For the most part used the InnTravel narrative directions, but GPS was needed as backup. This trek was a bit more difficult in terms of finding/following the paths, and a few times we had to retrace our steps, but we did end up at the intended destinations. Although we did not actually hike each day with the others on same itinerary, we did chat each evening and compare experiences....the nicest people travel slowly and savour each day.
One of the reasons we are regular customers of Inntravel is the excellent efficiency, accuracy of instructions and quality of accommodation. Only slight thing I can think in this walk was clarity of food entitlement at some hotels. Also my wife and I nicknamed this holiday “Veal, Cod & Barking Dogs”! Didn’t fully enjoy the food and lack of alternative choices. Also were very surprised at the amount of barking dogs both in towns and on the hills. Some seemed to be “guarding” herds of cachena cattle. Apart from that minor issue it was a lovely holiday with outstanding accommodation, lovely views, ideal walking temperature in September and excellent connections.
Fantastic walks through amazing scenery in beautiful peace and quiet. Hardly a soul in the Peneda Geres in early July. Would highly recommend the experience.
Highlights:
Being with my husband for a week of pure tranquility.
Have been to Portugal before but never the high paths lovely to hear constant water running and walk along very quiet routes.
Dropped down into lovely villages and enjoyed the swimming both along the routes and in the hotels.
This holiday was hard walking for the distances involved, because there was more tarmac, cobbles and old stone paths than we are used to and some of the tracks were quite degraded. This made it a bit hard on the feet, especially in the heat. The scenery also missed some of the 'whoa' factor that the higher mountains induce. However it was very satisfying, the hotels were all lovely in different ways, but especially the mosteria.
We travelled in the second half of May but found that some of the evening eating options were limited. O Braseiro was the only option in Arcos, but it was very good. In Soajo, the only option for the second night was the Espigueiro - which was fine, but not as good as the previous restaurant. It was fun to see that the 'lavandeiras' in Soajo and Geres were still in current use for washing clothes. We spent two nights in Geres and really enjoyed the optional walk, especially the views from Pedra Bela. We echo some of the other comments about the GPX files. We've been with Inntravel several times, but this is the first time we've actually used a GPX app and found it extremely useful at certain points. We were also glad that we took a tick remover with us.
This was the hardest of the 10 Inntravel trips that we have done - but we were pre-warned both by the grading of the holiday and previous reviews (one could argue that advancing years also had an effect!). However, well worth the effort with wonderful scenery.
The walks were varied and through different terrains and scenery. As always, the notes were excellent and in conjunction with the provided gpx files navigation was easy. I would recommend the gpx files; another couple walking on the same days without them had difficulty. We used the Outdooractive app and paid for the topographical maps; although there are other apps, this worked well. Poles are also recommended due to some rocky paths, not to mention hills.
Our favourite accommodations were the first hotel in Arcos (with an extra night) and the Pousada. Overall, the food was way too generous! We would recommend the A Floresta restaurant in Arcos - just opposite the hotel, full of locals if not quite as authentic, but better than the one in the notes.
We will never forget the nights in the Soajo house - brilliant to have a bag of fresh croissants and bread on our door at 7am in the morning! Scenery glorious and varied. Interesting wild flowers and butterflies. Each hotel and community where we stayed had its own style and points of interest. The pilgrimage sites were fascinating. The final ex-monastery hotel was a wonderful peaceful spot to end the holiday. We made use of the beautiful pool and grounds.
All of the people in Soajo were wonderful. Our landlords, Pedro and Rosa, and the ladies who provided the evening meal were extremely friendly and kind. The staff in all of the hotels and the drivers were also very nice and were very good at their jobs. The scenery and ancient routes were excellent. The notes provided useful background information. Overall northern Portugal was a great experience.
Overall, this holiday was an absolute delight to undertake. Sufficiently challenging to keep us on our toes but deeply satisfying to complete. Pousada Mosteiro de Amares was an absolute treasure of a hotel; we loved its simplistic decorations, furnishings and ambience. The staff here were particularly good. The two-day Braga 'add-on' was excellent, too, and a very pleasant way to end the walking holiday. Well done Inntravel; this was such a lovely holiday, which 'ticked the box' for us on all levels.
We loved the variety of the scenery, from the steep granite inclines with their dramatic boulders to the magical wooded valley with the scent of eucalyptus and the sound of running water. The waterfalls dotted along the route, the native cattle wandering everywhere and the wildflowers in Spring made for some wonderful hiking. The hotels are all very comfortable and the inclusive meals and picnics hit the spot. If it's unseasonably hot, as it was with us, take plenty of water. There are a lot of short steep climbs and you'll need it.
This was one of our better Inntravel walking holidays thank you. The scenery was spectacular and the walks varied and sufficiently challenging. The accomodation was varied and all excellent - particularly in Soajo and Santa Maria do Bouro. Rosa, our host in Soajo was an absolute star. We discovered 'Super Bock' which went down a treat at the end of each day. Thank you Inntravel.
The hotels were all very good. The people we met were very friendly and couldn't do enough to make our stay a pleasure. Everything about this holiday was really good, and the helpful tips given in the Inntravel notes re eating out, ATMs etc was useful. In Arcos de Valdevez, we found that despite it being possibly the largest of the places we visited, we found that the restaurants did not take payment by card, so money was required to pay for meals. We came away with a very favourable impression of Portugal and its people.
The walk was beautiful, peacefu and real treat on all of the senses.
The scenery, people and food amazing.
The walks were challenging but the views were the reward.
A real highlight for us was staying in the village house in Soajo under the care of the incredible Rosa.
We stayed in the very old and incredible Casa do Eiro and felt very privileged to do so.
We added the two nights in Braga and were glad we did.
A great city with a church on every corner and Bom Jesus not to be missed.
High Paths of Northern Portugal followed by Braga
Another excellent Inntravel holiday which we thoroughly recommend to those fit enough to rise to the challenges. In common with others, we particularly enjoyed Soajo and the walk to Peneda.
If you have a late outward flight on the Braga extension, this in combination with the early arrival will probably take care of most of Braga and enable you to make the bus trip to medieval Guimarães on your full day. Well worth the effort.
HIgh Paths of Norrthern Portugal with Braga extension.
The owners of the Soajo village houses (Pedro and Rosa) were wonderful and very welcoming.They prepared two delicious meals (although far too much food!) and ample lunch supplies. The meals were also fantastic at the Quintas do Vinhas on Madeira and we loved the outdoor dining location for breakfast and dinner. A very beautiful setting for our cottage close to the pool. All the accommodations were very good. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to have a mini fridge in the rooms to keep our lunch supplies as well as beer and wine(!) One of the places did not have one which I can't remember now. We thought that the restaurant O Lagar in Arcos de Valdevez served extremely large portions which we should have shared.
High Paths of Northern Portugal followed by Landscapes of Western Madeira
This was a very memorable holiday. The routes showed of the great beauty of parts of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and while some of the climbing was physically demanding, the vistas at the end of the climb always made the effort worthwhile.
This holiday is challenging and you need to be aware that there are steep ascents and descents. The bonus is of course the spectacular scenery and the opportunity to experience this part of Portugal. Two walking poles per person, and GPS would be recommended. Pedro and Rosa in Soajo are wonderful hospitable people, and we enjoyed all of the places we stayed in for different reasons.
Another enjoyable holiday. High Paths was strenous in the heat, particularly the tarmac ascents. Our favorite walk was into Geres, especially reaching the plateau with just stunning rock formations. But beware of the horseflies! If you don't like crowds stay at the Infante Sangres in Porto - lovely room,wonderful elevator and staircase, and best breakfast of the holiday--real yogurt, figs, Serra da Estrada cheese, meat pastries, as well the usual spread. If you have time, do walk the ecovia in Arco de Valdeves. Just lovely and a nice easy start before the tough level 3s over the next three days.
The cafe bar at the foot of the Indiana Jones staircase in Peneda is very welcoming. Refresh yourself before climbing those stairs! And take a look at the contents of the small red chapels lining the staircase.
Douro Valley - magnificent scenery. More trash on the hikes than we expected. We fell in love with Braga and enjoyed it much more than Porto. Beautiful, clean, welcoming. And great fun!
INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers combined High Paths of Northern Portugal, Valley of Gold, Porto city add on and Braga city add on.
A lovely walk through forests and over high pastures with excellent scenery, interesting paths and history. Very unspoilt and quiet. The landscape never felt remote but nevertheless was steep and rocky in places. You definitely need to be fairly fit and used to mountain walking. We loaded up the Outdoor Active app on our phones and downloaded the GPX files. Whilst we mainly used the excellent walk notes - it was certainly reassuring to have the GPX route available on the occasional times when we were uncertain we had taken the correct route.
Restaurant Churrascaria O Brasirio in Arcos was excellent, best of the trip.
A really great trip - a bit more challenging than we had expected, but the steep climbs were always worth it for the fabulous views. The scenery was amazing, and it was lovely to walk in a landscape devoid of other walkers - only Cachena cattle and Garrano horses for company. Too many highlights to list, but the warmth and generosity of the locals was a constant (even more so if you attempt to speak a little Portuguese).
A delightful holiday in an interesting and little-known corner of an interesting country. The walking was a little tough and the weather is unpredictable, but the scenery went from charming in the valleys to really lovely in the mountains. The hospitality at all stops was impeccable but the food offered can tend to slightly predictable and a bit heavy. Braga is worth a night or two and Porto at least three - it is an utterly beautiful city, albeit a busy one.
Amazing holiday, beautiful walks with scenery that continuously had us stopping to admire it, with the bonus of each day feeling different. lovely hotels with great food and wine. The overall balance was really fab, we would highly recommended this holiday.
This was a very enjoyable and memorable trip. The walking was challenging in 29 degrees heat but we expected that.
The flowers and scenery were spectacular in early May. The quietness and lack of people on the walks was great.
I loved being immersed in a different culture with the lovely friendly Portuguese people.
I had a great time. All the walks were really well thought out and varied. The routes always took me the most interesting route. The views were incredible. The notes were excellent and in combination with the GPX files I was able to navigate with confidence. The hotels/accommodation were a real treat. It was an opportunity to see bits of Portugal off the beaten track. I will be using Inntravel again in the future.
You have to have a good level of fitness to complete the first 3 days of this walking holiday. If time allows it may be an advantge to take an extra day (rest) after day 2 or 3. The scenery is stunning the isolation is beautiful, on day 1 we didn't see another person throughout the walk, on day 2 we saw just one man walking his dog on the outskirts of Soajo, that's nearly 40Km total walking.... wonderful. The air is so clean and the nature, beautiful.
Loved the accommodation at Pousada Mosteiro Amares so quiet and peaceful and lovely restaurant and food. Also recommend a visit from Braga to the Mosteiro de Tibaes, 20mins by bus. Quieter and again wonderful tranquil atmosphere.
INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers added the two night stay in Braga to our High Paths of Northern Portugal holiday
A fantastic holiday in a beautiful part of the world, we would say every walk was a gem with interesting things to see on the way. The people are warm and friendly and very welcoming. Be prepared for changeable mountain weather, it can be a bit chilly and wet and bring your walking poles. We want to do it again!
Interesting, rugged walks though beautiful, peaceful surroundings with church bells ringing along the valleys.
Both holidays ('A Slow Train Through Asturias' journey and 'High Paths of Northern Portugal' self-guided walk) were wonderful. We love traveling with Inntravel, especially for the service and organization of the trips. The Feve (rail journey) is highly recommended and the Penedas-Geres Park was an amazing walk.
The walk from Soajo to Peneda was excellent with the final stone staircase like an Indiana Jones film set! The walk down the valley to Santuario Abadia was magical. The food at Hotel Sao Bento was superb although the quantities were vast! The Vinho Verde (green as in 'young') varies greatly in quality! Pousada Mosteiro de Amares is a truely amazing place to stay.
stunning holiday - amazing scenery, wonderful routes and very varied locations - highly recommended
Great holiday. Really good in all respects. Thank you
Full marks to Inntravel for offering a holiday in this area which is little known and visited by overseas travellers. This is not a trip we could have devised on our own. The walking routes were delightful and well considered through contrasting terrain and on a wide variety of paths. All arrangements worked seemlessly and evening restaurant recommendations were excellent. We travelled in late September and enjoyed seeing carpets of autumn crocus and the early colours of autumn in mixed deciduous woodland. Our Braga extension was an excellent contrast - and recommended for those interested in understanding the historic and cultural influences on the area.
Lovely and varied routes in a beautiful part of Portugal. We'd definitely recommend it to others. The Soajo village house and Pousada Mosteiro de Amares were accommodation highlights, but all were good. Thank you.
Be prepared for some long days, take some binoculars, plenty of water and definitely some warm protective tops and preferably a Gore-tex light rain jacket. It can turn cold and wet at any given time, the routes are fairly challenging but for experienced walkers comfortable. The National Park is lovely, the walks rewarding and full of contrasting scenery with some beautiful hamlets, villages rich in history and culture, with constant reminders of life from long ago. The Portuguese we did meet en route were friendly, welcoming and happy to chat (often in French!) which surprised us.
We all enjoyed staying in the village houses, Pedro was an excellent host and rescued us when we got lost and were made very welcome at his restaurant. We also enjoyed the Pousada, good restaurant lovely garden and pool although the rooms were quite small. The walks were interesting and varied.
Overall we loved the holiday. Anything that was not right can probably be blamed on the whole Covid/travel fiasco but it was lovely to be travelling again and with Inntravel who we find extremely reliable and helpful.
The High Paths of Northern Portugal is an excellent walking holiday with a great mix of scenery and cultural heritage. We very much enjoyed the variety, both in terms of the routes as well as the accommodation, which was excellent. Frequent encounters with the attractive cachena cattle and the Gerrano horses in the area around Soajo were a definite highlight.
The walks get easier as the week progresses, but having a good level of fitness is probably helpful, as the steep ascents and cobbled/rocky paths can sap the energy on hot days. There are many fountains in the villages to top up bottles with fresh cold water though! Do take time to explore the villages and sanctuaries you pass on route. We found the new crypt and tiled ambulatory at the Sanctuary of S. Bento da Porta Aberta much more interesting that the old church. And the finest cascade was found in the woods behind Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia. We copied the locals and found a pool to bathe our hot feet in.
As always the notes are great, but we'd recommend using the gpx files too, as the paper map isn't a useful walking aid. The Outdoor Active app is an excellent resource, as it includes the waymarked national park trails and allowed us to create our own detours. Information about the trails (trilhos) is available at https://turismo.cm-terrasdebouro.pt/listing-category/aventura/trilhos-pedestres/
Evening meals are hearty and substantial, but having a fondness for beef might be necessary as steaks feature heavily. Vegetarians could struggle a little, especially if they don't eat eggs - which appear in many dishes, sometimes without warning!
We stayed a couple of extra nights in Geres as we wanted to add another couple of walks to our intinerary, but this also meant that we had time to make full use of the hotel's outdoor swimming pool, which is at the top end of the Parque das Termas. Just ask the hotel receptionist for a pass. Our other top tip for Geres is to eat early in the evening. The local restaurants don't seem to take bookings and lengthy queues start forming around 7.30pm.
This worked really well for us. We booked late due to pandemic uncertainties but everything was organised without any problems. The walking was wonderful - we liked having 3 days of longer walks first and were then grateful for 2 days of shorter walks at the end. The walking notes were excellent, if a bit esoteric at times, but we got used to them and didn't get lost or have to retrace our steps once. And ending up in a really good hotel was fantastic and we loved lounging around there on our last day, having decided we had walked enough!
What a fantastic week. First time we have visisted Portugal. The welcome we received; the quality as always of the accommodation & wonderful food; the rich variety of walking; rich history & heritage of the area; Braga city break. Yet another enriching Inntravel Walking holiday. Looking forward to planning next year's trip already. Thanks once again.
The country covered by this walk was beautiful and the lodging and food were excellent. Recommended for experienced and fit walkers only, however, as there is significant elevation change and no truly easy days. Perhaps it would be best to schedule an extra rest day midway through to give the feet a rest.
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