Castelo Mendo | Percurso Vermelho

Places of passage: Pínzio, Castanheira, Pousade, Rochoso, Monte Margarida, Miuzela, Porto de Ovelha, Sorda, Freineda, Castelo Bom

It departs the Historical Village of Castelo Mendo by climbing towards the N16, where it turns left and heads west for around 12 km as far as Pínzio before bearing left towards Castanheira. The N16 was once one of the main international routes to Portugal, with very heavy traffic, but ever since the coming of the motorways it has been more geared towards local traffic. Even so a few vehicles may still pass. After Castanheira it heads south towards Pousade and Rochoso, where it changes direction towards the east, heading for Monte Margarida and Mizela. It then drops down to Porto de Ovelha to cross the Côa river, followed by an ascent to Sorda and Freineda where it rejoins the N16 before Castelo Bom. After Castelo Bom it descends once again into the Côa valley, followed by an ascent towards the Historical Village of Castelo Mendo, where the route ends with a left turn off the N16.