# Agrochão Route

> A full-day tour of the east of Vinhais, taking in the mining ruins of Ervedosa, the olive groves and museums of Agrochão, and the Cachão da Malhadinha waterfall. Scenery, history and rural heritage on a route suitable for gravel bikes.

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

- **Activity:** BTT
- **Distance:** 77.8 km
- **Elevation gain:** 2831 m
- **Elevation loss:** 2808 m
- **Altitude:** 328–928 m
- **Estimated time:** 7h15
- **Technical difficulty:** Very hard (black)
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_BTT10PRT
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-de-agrochao/export-gpx

The Agrochão route is a full-day journey through eastern Vinhais, where landscape and history change at every stage.

The realm of mines. After Vale de Janeiro, the route heads to Nuzedo de Baixo and Soutilha to discover the old Ervedosa mining complex — fascinating industrial ruins that are expected to be made safe for visiting.

The olive groves of Agrochão. Along the Tuela the route climbs to Ervedosa and on to Agrochão. The landscape shifts: chestnut groves give way to olive groves. Agrochão has medieval origins (a royal charter from King Dinis in 1288); notable are the Church of São Mamede, the Sanctuary of Divino Senhor Jesus da Piedade, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Areal and two museums — the Rural Ethnographic Museum and the Olive Oil Museum.

Hidden water. Leaving Agrochão, the route drops to the Ribeira de S. Cimbrão and the plateau of Negreda, where the chestnut groves return. Down in the valley appears the Cachão da Malhadinha waterfall, on the Ribeira de Melhe — a worthwhile stop. Eiras Maiores and Edrosa follow, with a fresh view over Vinhais, before the descent to Nunes that closes the route.

## Quick answers

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

77.8 km, with 2831 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Agrochão Route route take?

About 7h15 (estimated time).

### Is the Agrochão 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 Agrochão Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Agrochão Route route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Agrochão Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Agrochão Route route?

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