# Ribeira de Ladrões

> A peaceful walk along the Ribeira de Ladrões, a tributary of the Tuela, in the heart of the Montesinho Natural Park. The valley combines extensive patches of black oak woodland with riparian vegetation, and the route passes through the historic village of Rio de Fornos, with the option of a shorter route starting at 2. 5 km.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/ribeira-de-ladroes

- **Activity:** Percurso Pedestre
- **Distance:** 11.8 km
- **Elevation gain:** 353 m
- **Elevation loss:** 352 m
- **Altitude:** 679–946 m
- **Estimated time:** 3h
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_PPR05
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/ribeira-de-ladroes/export-gpx

The Ribeira de Ladrões, the theme of this route, is a tributary of the Rio Tuela; along it grow black oak and meadows fringed by riverside vegetation. Rio de Fornos has an ancient past, mentioned in the 1258 "Inquirições"; its name comes from a river whose bank clay was used to build kilns.

A calm route in the heart of the Montesinho Natural Park, starting at the picnic area at the village edge. A quick visit to the Chapel of S. Pedro offers a balcony over the village and the valley. About ten kilometres circle the valley between the two banks of the stream; at 2.5 km there is the option to cut the route short, linking directly to the return along the opposite bank. The walk ends back in the village, along a few more typical streets of Rio de Fornos.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Ribeira de Ladrões route and how much climbing does it have?

11.8 km, with 353 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Ribeira de Ladrões route take?

About 3h (estimated time).

### When is the best time to ride or walk the Ribeira de Ladrões route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Ribeira de Ladrões route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Ribeira de Ladrões route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Ribeira de Ladrões route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/ribeira-de-ladroes/export-gpx.