# Rabaçal Route

> One of the most comprehensive and challenging routes in the network: a full day through the western Montesinho region, following the deep valleys of the River Rabaçal, past medieval bridges and authentic villages such as Pinheiro Novo, until you cross the Serra da Coroa. Suitable for gravel bikes.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/rota-do-rabacal

- **Activity:** BTT
- **Distance:** 77.7 km
- **Elevation gain:** 2844 m
- **Elevation loss:** 2839 m
- **Altitude:** 520–1194 m
- **Estimated time:** 7h
- **Technical difficulty:** Very hard (black)
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_BTT08PRT
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-do-rabacal/export-gpx

The Rabaçal route is one of the most complete and demanding in the project — a full-day journey through the wildest, most authentic Montesinho.

The river that carves the mountain. The thread of the ride is the Rabaçal river. Its deep beds, opened by millions of years of erosion, force long zig-zag descents and the climbs that follow — the price, and the reward, of landscapes few routes can offer.

Villages and medieval bridges. Across the Zona da Lomba — the plateau between the Rabaçal and the Mente — lie very genuine villages such as Pinheiro Novo and Pinheiro Velho. Medieval bridges, like the one over the Assureira river, underline how ancient these paths are.

Crossing the Serra da Coroa. The final stretch crosses the Serra da Coroa, by Vilarinho das Touças, Quadra, Landedo and Travanca. Before returning to the Parque Biológico, the route passes the Prada dam, its last point of interest.

As a full-day adventure with few support points, it calls for preparation and self-sufficiency: bring enough food, as the chance of a café is rare — Santa lha may be the last of the day.

## Quick answers

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

77.7 km, with 2844 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

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

About 7h (estimated time).

### Is the Rabaçal 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 Rabaçal Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Rabaçal Route route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Rabaçal Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

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

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