Approved Path - Camping and Mountaineering Federation of Portugal
Route
The Penhascoso Route extends along a wide and lush green valley entirely crossed by the Coadouro Stream, which serves as the main guiding thread of this trail. Throughout the route, water is a constant presence, with numerous spots inviting close and immersive contact with nature.
The trail starts and ends at the Fundão Garden, in the centre of the picturesque village of Penhascoso, an area rich in both cultural and scenic heritage. The bandstand, the various chapels and fountains, as well as the Church of Our Lady of the Lament and the Clock Tower, together with the well‑preserved and attractive traditional houses, all deserve a careful and unhurried visit before (or after) the walk.
With elements that recall, here and there, lives once dedicated to agriculture, livestock, and pine forest work, this is a distinctly rural trail, where still‑cultivated fields, small flocks, and bucolic landscapes stand out.
Natural Heritage
As the route follows the streams of Penhascoso, walkers encounter banks with riparian galleries populated by tree species such as ash, alder, and common buckthorn. Moving farther from the water, other native species appear, including the strawberry tree, folhado, and several varieties of wild orchids, which add colour to the landscape.
The skies are frequently patrolled by birds of prey in search of prey. Common sightings include the short‑toed eagle, booted eagle, common kestrel, and the common buzzard, which is present throughout the year in this area. In flatter zones, shallow ponds and wells are inhabited by various species of water snakes, frogs, toads, and other amphibians.
Cultural Heritage
Walking the 10.8 km that make up the Penhascoso Route is to experience a truly charming and authentic area. In addition to the extensive built heritage of the village of Penhascoso—where the magnificent Fonte Velha (Old Fountain) stands out—this route also highlights the Roman Bridge of Coadouro, composed of three arches, the central one larger, featuring cutwaters on both faces of the piers.
Nearby are the abandoned village of Monte João Dias and, in Carregueira, the Fountain, Public Washhouse, and Donkey Drinking Trough.
As for natural points of interest, noteworthy features include the viewpoints of Casal da Barba Pouca (the village where a flint halberd was discovered), Coadouro, and Serra da Feiteira, the Ribeirinho water mine, the Fraga da Penha—a rocky formation with potential interest for climbing enthusiasts—the Poço da Penha, and the Coadouro Weir.