Ramblin'trails

Itinerary (Click on images to view larger in gallery.)

Day one: Arrival  in the Alentejo. Overnighting in the  town of Santiago do Cacém at a hotel, with swimming pool, close to the historical centre and the northern starting point of the Rota Vicentina.

Day two: Welcome meeting after breakfast at your guest house before the first walk along a stage of the Historical Way through the hills from Santiago do Cacém to Vale Seco. Your accommodation for the night is in the converted mill buildings of the 19th century twin windmills, Moinhos do Paneiro, directly on the trail, where you can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool after your walk.

Details: +/- 6 - 6.5 hours | 20 km | Asc. 350 m - Desc. 480 m. | Scale 2.

Day three: Vale Seco to Cercal do Alentejo. Passing Campilhas Dam & Reservoir on what is considered to be the most arrid stage of the Historical Way. The night will be spent at a guesthouse near the centre of the village.

Details: +/- 5.5 - 6 hours | 21 km | Asc. 200 m - Desc. 250 m. | Scale 2.

Day four: Cercal do Alentejo to São Luis. A  walk through the "serras" over harsh and irregular terrain, with views to the Atlantic coast and inland over the Alentejo plains. The night will be spent at a rural guesthouse in a converted Alentejano farm just outside the village.

Details: +/- 6.5 - 7 hours | 20,5 km | Asc. 500 m - Desc. 500 m. | Scale 3.

Day five: São Luis to Odemira. A walk known as the water section of the Historical Way, where there is an optional but recommended side trail to Pego da Pias pools.. The night will be spent at a family owned pension in the centre of Odemira .

Details: +/- 8 hours | 25 km | Asc. 300 m - Desc. 450 m. | Scale 3.

Day six: Odemira to São Teotónio. Much of the route follows wide trails with mild ascents and descents beside the rivers Mira and S. Teotonio and their sidestreams, with their crystal clear waters which are host to a variety of wildlife, including dragonflies, crayfish and otters. The night will be spent in a small rural guesthouse just outside the town, where you can take a dip in the swimming pool after a day on the dusty trails.

Details: +/- 6 hours | 19 km | Asc. 350 m - Desc. 220 m. | Scale 2.

Day seven: São Teotónio to Odeceixe. A walk along some inhospitable but truly memorable trails, climbing from valleys, rich in native vegetation, through quiet forests to open plateaus and hilltops with views of the Atlantic coast . (During and after periods of heavy rain, part of the trail may be waterlogged. There is a marked alternative route. +/- 5.5 hours | 15 km | Asc. 200 m - Desc. 400 m. | Scale 2.) You will spend the night at a small guest house close to the river in Odeceixe.

Details: +/- 5.5 - 6 hours | 17 km | Asc. 350 m - Desc. 550 m. | Scale 3.

Day eight: After breakfast depart from Odeceixe.

General advice and information.

During and after periods of heavy rain, some inland trails may be waterlogged.

Whilst late March until early June is the most popular period for this trail, due to the abundant spring flowers, in the autumn there is still an array of different colours and fragrances to  experience.

For a stress-free start to your travel, arriving at the start point by early evening on day one is recommended.