Route of the Caminho de Santiago
The Via de Prata through the lands of Vinhais
A long ride along the Via de Prata variant of the Way of St James, between Vinhais and Ferreiros, passing through Sobreiró, Aboá and Candedo, with half the route taking place within the Montesinho Natural Park. The Zona da Lomba, between the rivers Mente and Rabaçal, and medieval bridges such as the one at Gestosa characterise this challenging route, which is suitable for gravel bikes.
- Activity
- BTT
- Distance
- 75,3 km
- Elevation gain
- 1168 m
- Elevation loss
- 1222 m
- Altitude
- 618–999 m
- Estimated time
- 7h
- Technical difficulty
- Very hard (black)
- Route type
- Loop
- Best season
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Waymarked
- Yes
- Code
- BTT12
Centre: Vinhais
Created to promote the passage of the Camino de Santiago through Vinhais, this demanding route follows the Via de Prata variant on quality trails that are still little known. Pilgrimage. It uses considerable stretches of the Via de Prata, from Vinhais to Ferreiros, via Sobreiró, Aboá and Candedo, crossing a medieval bridge over the Rabaçal. There is the option of extending the Camino to Sandim, the last hostel in the municipality, and to the Rio Mente. The Zona da Lomba. From Ferreiros the route enters the Zona da Lomba, the plateau stretching to Cisterna and the border, between the Mente and Rabaçal rivers. Rivers and bridges. Deep in the Natural Park, by Vilar Seco de Lomba and Gestosa, it drops again to the Rabaçal and crosses the medieval bridge of Gestosa. Santalha, Seixas, Tuízelo and Sobreiró close the sequence, returning to the Parque Biológico or to Vinhais. Half of the route runs inside the park and half outside, a contrast of landscapes that enriches this long crossing.Quick answers
How long is the Route of the Caminho de Santiago route and how much climbing does it have?
75.3 km, with 1168 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.
How long does the Route of the Caminho de Santiago route take?
About 7h (estimated time).
Is the Route of the Caminho de Santiago 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 Route of the Caminho de Santiago route?
Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.
Where does the Route of the Caminho de Santiago route start?
You can start at: Parque Biológico de Vinhais, Vinhais.
Is the Route of the Caminho de Santiago route waymarked?
Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.
Where can I download the GPX for the Route of the Caminho de Santiago route?
The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-do-caminho-de-santiago-1/export-gpx.
Related routes
- Ousilhão and Vila Boa Masks Route — 47,0 km
- Our Lady of Health Route — 46,7 km
- Tuízelo Route — 40,8 km
- Paçó Route — 19,8 km
- Route of the Fraga dos 3 Reinos — 47,1 km
- Rabaçal Route — 77,7 km
- Agrochão Route — 77,8 km
- Barragem de Prada Route — 8,2 km
- Cerro de Penhas Juntas Route — 46,4 km
- Rebordelo Route — 72,5 km