Paçó Route
The Prada dam extended to the shepherds' villages
A longer version of the Prada Dam Route, this route extends the ride to the villages of Paçó and Prada, in the Montesinho Natural Park. It passes through pastures and chestnut groves, with Charca do Vidoeiro and the dam serving as landmarks along the way. Suitable for gravel bikes.
- Activity
- BTT
- Distance
- 19,8 km
- Elevation gain
- 515 m
- Elevation loss
- 518 m
- Altitude
- 841–1088 m
- Estimated time
- 2h
- Technical difficulty
- Easy (blue)
- Route type
- Loop
- Best season
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Waymarked
- Yes
- Code
- BTT02
Centre: Vinhais
The Paçó route grows out of the Barragem de Prada and takes it further, trading part of the woodland for the rural landscape of the Montesinho Natural Park. It is an invitation to discover not only the nature, but also the people and ways of life that shape this land. Rural life. Much of the route crosses pastures and chestnut groves, the backbone of the local farming economy. Meeting flocks of sheep and their shepherds is not the exception but the everyday scene — one of the most genuine images of Montesinho. Water and woods. As on the route that inspired it, water guides the way: the Charca do Vidoeiro with its birdwatching hide, the Prada dam and the old Ribeira do Vidoeiro watermill punctuate the trip, always flanked by oaks and chestnut trees. Villages. Paçó and Prada are the heart of this variant. Small, quiet villages of stone houses give the measure of Trás-os-Montes rural life; in Paçó, the café is a good chance to refuel before the return.Quick answers
How long is the Paçó Route route and how much climbing does it have?
19.8 km, with 515 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.
How long does the Paçó Route route take?
About 2h (estimated time).
Is the Paçó Route route difficult?
The technical difficulty is easy (blue). Physical effort: 2 out of 5.
When is the best time to ride or walk the Paçó Route route?
Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.
Where does the Paçó Route route start?
You can start at: Parque Biológico de Vinhais.
Is the Paçó Route route waymarked?
Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.
Where can I download the GPX for the Paçó Route route?
The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-de-paco/export-gpx.
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