# Barragem de Prada Route

> A peaceful route around the Vinhais Biological Park, in the Montesinho Natural Park. It winds through oak and chestnut woods, passing by the Charca do Vidoeiro with its birdwatching hide, the Prada Dam and the old Ribeira do Vidoeiro Mill. Suitable for gravel bikes.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/rota-da-barragem-de-prada

- **Activity:** BTT
- **Distance:** 8.2 km
- **Elevation gain:** 161 m
- **Elevation loss:** 163 m
- **Altitude:** 915–1017 m
- **Estimated time:** 1h
- **Technical difficulty:** Very easy (green)
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_BTT01VRD
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-da-barragem-de-prada/export-gpx

The Barragem de Prada route is the easiest way into the Montesinho Natural Park. With no real demands, it opens the door to a land of woods, water and rural memory — ideal for a first taste of the region, with the family or at an unhurried pace.

Nature. The route runs through oak and chestnut woods, almost always shaded, where the park's atmosphere is palpable. Overhead it is common to see Montesinho's birds of prey, such as eagles and kites. The highlight is the Charca do Vidoeiro, a small lagoon with a hide where patience is rewarded with waterbirds.

Water and landscape. The Prada dam dominates the ride with its broad sheet of water, which supplies irrigation to many of the area's farms — a place to stop and let the eye linger.

Rural memory. Beside an old irrigation channel stands the Ribeira do Vidoeiro watermill: out of use for decades but well preserved, it still hints at the workings that once ground the grain.

All told, it is a calm discovery: little difficulty, plenty of nature, and the pleasure of grasping, in just a few hours, what makes Montesinho special.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Barragem de Prada Route route and how much climbing does it have?

8.2 km, with 161 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Barragem de Prada Route route take?

About 1h (estimated time).

### Is the Barragem de Prada Route route difficult?

The technical difficulty is very easy (green). Physical effort: 1 out of 5.

### When is the best time to ride or walk the Barragem de Prada Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Barragem de Prada Route route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Barragem de Prada Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Barragem de Prada Route route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-da-barragem-de-prada/export-gpx.