# Fragas do Pinheiro

> Six kilometres from Pinheiro Novo, this mountain trail passes by megalithic dolmens, historic rock formations and the border with Spain. The village’s schist architecture and the boundary markers bearing the letters ‘P’ and ‘E’ carved into the stone lend the route an archaeological and border-related dimension that is rare in the Montesinho Natural Park.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/fragas-do-pinheiro

- **Activity:** Percurso Pedestre
- **Distance:** 11.8 km
- **Elevation gain:** 365 m
- **Elevation loss:** 365 m
- **Altitude:** 838–1138 m
- **Estimated time:** 3h
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_PPR01
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/fragas-do-pinheiro/export-gpx

In the heart of Montesinho, starting and finishing in Pinheiro Novo, this walk thrives on the character of the place: schist architecture, dry-stone walls and the mystique of the border, a few kilometres from Spain. Around the sixth kilometre the frontier becomes clear — walls, marks on the rocks and boundary stones carved with "P" and "E".

Megaliths. Early on, the Anta de Vale de Carvalho Branco marks the antiquity of human presence; further on, the Anta da Abessada closes the megalithic theme. These monuments give the route a rare archaeological depth.

Boulders and legends. The mountain fills with scenes: the "Penedo Pé de Meda", with a schist roof sheltering it and itself a border stone, the "Fraga que Toca" and the "Fraga das Cruzes". Two springs — one called "Curral da Marta" — allow a stop to drink.

Beyond each summit a new horizon opens, almost always over Spanish land — one of the most genuine, wildest experiences in the whole project.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Fragas do Pinheiro route and how much climbing does it have?

11.8 km, with 365 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Fragas do Pinheiro route take?

About 3h (estimated time).

### When is the best time to ride or walk the Fragas do Pinheiro route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Fragas do Pinheiro route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Fragas do Pinheiro route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Fragas do Pinheiro route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/fragas-do-pinheiro/export-gpx.