Encostas do Tuela
Three villages and the Celtic night of Cidões
One of the most challenging routes in the network, winding along the banks of the River Tuela, amidst the landscape and traditions of Trás-os-Montes. It links Cidões, home to the Festa da Cabra and the Canhoto festival, to Brito de Baixo and Vilar de Peregrinos, with a stop at the Baloiço Rural Castanea and its stunning view over Vinhais.
- Activity
- Percurso Pedestre
- Distance
- 19,4 km
- Elevation gain
- 707 m
- Elevation loss
- 715 m
- Altitude
- 383–848 m
- Estimated time
- 6h
- Route type
- Loop
- Best season
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Waymarked
- Yes
- Code
- PPR16
Centre: Vinhais
Almost 20 km of broad tracks along the slopes of the Rio Tuela, linking three villages: Cidões, Brito de Baixo and Vilar de Peregrinos. Cidões is famous for the Festa da Cabra e do Canhoto (early November), of Celtic roots, regarded as the true Trás-os-Montes "Halloween night" — with the burning of the "canhoto", a giant bonfire and a goat cooked in iron pots. Despite its few inhabitants, it draws thousands of visitors. West of Cidões, the route follows the banks of the Tuela to Brito de Baixo (about 6 km), calm and gently graded. In Brito it climbs to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima; then, by road, to Vilar de Peregrinos — the most monotonous part, saved by the scenery. From Vilar (where the route can be shortened) it heads east to the Baloiço Castanea swing, with a superb view over Vinhais. The reunion with the Tuela leads back to Cidões.Quick answers
How long is the Encostas do Tuela route and how much climbing does it have?
19.4 km, with 707 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.
How long does the Encostas do Tuela route take?
About 6h (estimated time).
When is the best time to ride or walk the Encostas do Tuela route?
Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.
Where does the Encostas do Tuela route start?
The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.
Is the Encostas do Tuela route waymarked?
Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.
Where can I download the GPX for the Encostas do Tuela route?
The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/encostas-do-tuela/export-gpx.