# Round Vinhais

> The Volta a Vinhais is the flagship route of the road network: a circuit that covers the entire municipality, bringing together the best of Montesinho and the rural south in a single journey, from the Ponte de Soeira riverside beach to the olive groves of Agrochão. Given its length and elevation gain, it is the most demanding route in the network, ideal for those seeking a major challenge for a full day’s cycle tour.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/volta-a-vinhais

- **Activity:** Estrada
- **Distance:** 171.7 km
- **Elevation gain:** 4947 m
- **Elevation loss:** 4946 m
- **Altitude:** 344–1137 m
- **Estimated time:** 8h
- **Technical difficulty:** Very hard (black)
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_CRD04PRT
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/volta-a-vinhais/export-gpx

The Volta a Vinhais is the queen of the road network — a circuit embracing the whole municipality, gathering its most striking landscapes in a single journey.

The best of both worlds. The route is the union of the Montesinho Natural Park route and the Rota do Sul do Concelho. From the north it brings the Soeira river beach, the mountain villages, the border road to Moimenta and the high country of Pinheiro Velho and Pinheiro Novo. From the south, the "Realm of the Ervedosa Mines", the olive groves of Agrochão and the Cerro de Penhas Juntas.

The Lomba link. The only truly new part is the link from Gestosa to Rebordelo, crossing the whole Zona da Lomba — the plateau between the Mente and Rabaçal — via Edral, Vilar de Lomba, São Jomil and Vale de Arneiro. It is the connection that closes the circuit and gives this "Tour de Vinhais" its all-round character.

A test of endurance. For its length and climbing, it is the most demanding road route. It calls for preparation, self-sufficiency and pacing — the reward is to know, in a single day, every face of the municipality.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Round Vinhais route and how much climbing does it have?

171.7 km, with 4947 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Round Vinhais route take?

About 8h (estimated time).

### Is the Round Vinhais 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 Round Vinhais route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Round Vinhais route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Round Vinhais route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Round Vinhais route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/volta-a-vinhais/export-gpx.