# Trilho da Castanha Longal > A 17.6-kilometre route in Vinhais, passing through ancient chestnut groves with trees one to two metres in diameter. Seven points of interest, including the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia and a thousand-year-old chestnut tree, starting from the Longal Chestnut Interpretation Centre. URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/trilho-da-castanha-longal - **Activity:** Percurso Pedestre - **Distance:** 17.6 km - **Elevation gain:** 622 m - **Elevation loss:** 624 m - **Altitude:** 615–875 m - **Estimated time:** 5h - **Route type:** Loop - **Code:** VNH_PPR23 - **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais) - **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/trilho-da-castanha-longal/export-gpx The route of this walk is truly phenomenal: there is hardly a stretch that is not surrounded by hazel groves. This is not a path that simply passes through a chestnut grove; it is a path that runs through chestnut groves from one end to the other, many of which are ancient, with trees having trunks one to two metres in diameter. The density of large chestnut trees is, in itself, the attraction. This is what makes this route unique, rather than just another mountain trail with views. The implication for interpretation is clear. Pointing out a listed tree and explaining it is what any roadside sign does. This route takes us deep into a whole woodland of such trees for five hours: it is not the exceptional nature of a single specimen, but the extraordinary normality of a landscape where these trees are abundant. **Start and finish at the Interpretation Centre** The route begins and ends at the Casa do Povo, in Largo do Toural, Vinhais, the Castanha Longal Interpretation Centre. This is the defining feature of the proposal. The route ceases to be a path in the middle of the countryside and becomes the outdoor extension of a facility: the visitor enters, views the exhibition, understands the variety, steps outside and encounters it in the field, and returns to the same place to round off the experience. The centre gains a reason to extend the visit, and the trail gains a gateway with opening hours, signage, toilets and someone to explain it. **Longal, once again, but up close** The Longal dominates the chestnut groves of this region and accounts for over 70 per cent of the production covered by the ‘Castanha da Terra Fria’ Protected Designation of Origin. It is an elongated, elliptical nut with a shiny, reddish-brown shell, featuring dark striations, weighing between 70 and 95 units per kilogramme, and with an intense flavour. It is distinguished by its excellent shelf life and by being monospermous, which makes it the preferred variety for processing. In 2022, the Municipality of Vinhais and Arborea launched the ‘Castanha Longal de Vinhais’ brand. This trail brings that brand to life: the chestnuts are gathered from the ground, without mechanical aids, and this is something you can only truly appreciate by walking the trail. **The locations** The route connects, in this order, Vinhais, Sobreiró de Baixo, Sobreiró de Cima, the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, Zido, the millennial chestnut tree and Lagarelhos, before descending once more to Vinhais. There are seven key landmarks over 17.6 kilometres, giving the day an almost pilgrimage-like rhythm, with a village or monument every hour’s walk. ## Quick answers ### How long is the Trilho da Castanha Longal route and how much climbing does it have? 17.6 km, with 622 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route. ### How long does the Trilho da Castanha Longal route take? About 5h (estimated time). ### Where does the Trilho da Castanha Longal route start? The route belongs to the Vinhais centre. ### Is the Trilho da Castanha Longal route waymarked? Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground. ### Where can I download the GPX for the Trilho da Castanha Longal route? The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/trilho-da-castanha-longal/export-gpx.