# Encostas do Tuela

> 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.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/encostas-do-tuela

- **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
- **Code:** VNH_PPR16
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/encostas-do-tuela/export-gpx

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.