# A Gudiña Route

> The longest of the road routes, this cross-border journey sets off from Vinhais via the Zona da Lomba to A Gudiña, in Galicia. Along the way, Barxa is home to the Roman Tunnel and the old Valgrande Mines. The return journey takes you via Moimenta, close to the border, on a cycle route best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/rota-de-a-gudina

- **Activity:** Estrada
- **Distance:** 115.0 km
- **Elevation gain:** 3095 m
- **Elevation loss:** 3101 m
- **Altitude:** 491–1332 m
- **Estimated time:** 5h30
- **Technical difficulty:** Very hard (black)
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_CRD09PRT
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-de-a-gudina/export-gpx

The A Gudiña route is the great cross-border journey of the road network — a ride that turns the border into an invitation rather than a limit.

From the Lomba to Galicia. From Vinhais it heads west towards the Zona da Lomba and Cisterna, where it leaves Portugal and enters Galicia at Barxa. The change of country is felt at once — in the tarmac, the language and the signs.

Barxa's Roman heritage. Barxa, the first Galician village, is also the most interesting: typical stone houses and, above all, the Roman Tunnel of Barxa — built to divert the Pentes river for gold extraction. Nearby are the Valgrande (María Luisa) mines, worked until the mid-20th century for tin and tungsten.

Camino de Santiago and return. The route continues to Alto de Herosa and A Gudiña, the largest Spanish town near Vinhais and a lively point on the Camino de Santiago. The return joins the A Mezquita route, entering Portugal north of Moimenta and skirting the border via Mofreita, Fresulfe, Soeira and Vila Verde back to the town.

Ride it as cycle touring — at an easy pace, to take in the scenery — not as racing; the mountain roads can be damp and winding, and the route is very long.

## Quick answers

### How long is the A Gudiña Route route and how much climbing does it have?

115.0 km, with 3095 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the A Gudiña Route route take?

About 5h30 (estimated time).

### Is the A Gudiña Route route difficult?

The technical difficulty is very hard (black). Physical effort: 5 out of 5.

### When is the best time to ride or walk the A Gudiña Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the A Gudiña Route route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the A Gudiña Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the A Gudiña Route route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-de-a-gudina/export-gpx.