Between the Mente and the Rabaçal
Between two rivers, at the northwest tip of the municipality
A route offering unspoilt scenery in the north-western corner of the municipality, on the ridge between the rivers Mente and Rabaçal. From Cisterna, you climb slopes with views of Spanish villages, walk for over three kilometres along the gorge carved out by the Rabaçal, and catch a glimpse of Galicia during the final few kilometres. The route begins at the Fragas do Pinheiro trail.
- Activity
- Percurso Pedestre
- Distance
- 11,6 km
- Elevation gain
- 339 m
- Elevation loss
- 358 m
- Altitude
- 666–795 m
- Estimated time
- 3h30
- Route type
- Loop
- Best season
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Waymarked
- Yes
- Code
- PPR02
Centre: Vinhais
Created to revitalise the northwest of the municipality, this walk runs over the ridge between the Mente and Rabaçal rivers, which here flow parallel about four kilometres apart. To the west and north lies Spain; to the east, Pinheiro Novo. From Cisterna, a village of special calm, the route climbs the western slope for views over the Mente and Spanish villages such as "O Seixo". Past Vilarinho da Lomba it reaches the banks of the Rabaçal, completing the theme that gives the route its name: more than three kilometres along imposing banks, climbing to take in the gorge the river has carved over millennia. In the final kilometres, almost at the municipal tip, the view opens to the Galician side, with Barxa within sight. The return to Cisterna passes the Chapel of S. Salvador.Quick answers
How long is the Between the Mente and the Rabaçal route and how much climbing does it have?
11.6 km, with 339 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.
How long does the Between the Mente and the Rabaçal route take?
About 3h30 (estimated time).
When is the best time to ride or walk the Between the Mente and the Rabaçal route?
Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.
Where does the Between the Mente and the Rabaçal route start?
The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.
Is the Between the Mente and the Rabaçal route waymarked?
Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.
Where can I download the GPX for the Between the Mente and the Rabaçal route?
The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/entre-o-mente-e-o-rabacal/export-gpx.