Castelo Rodrigo | Percurso Vermelho

Places of passage: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Penha de Águia, Quinta Pêro Martins, Cidadelhe, Pinhel, Bizarril,

The route departs the Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo from the gardens at the Rua da Cadeia entrance, before heading east and then turning left for the descent towards Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. It passes through this Beira village and continues eastwards towards Penha de Águia and Quinta de Pêro Martins, before descending into the Côa Valley near the Faia Brava Reserve, crossing the river on the União Bridge. This is followed by a steep climb in some sectors, ending in Cidadelhe, a village that is well worth visiting. Next it heads towards Gabriel and Azêvo, with the approach to the city of Pinhel and another descent into the Côa Valley. This part of the route undulates constantly for many kilometres before running mostly downhill after passing Pinhel as far as the Côa river. After crossing the Côa bridge it leaves the N221 and turns right towards Bizarril, with views of Monforte Castle in the distance on the right hand side. The climb to Bizarril is about 3 km, with average gradients. After passing the village it continues to join the N221 and ascends again for around 6 km as far as the access roundabout to the Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo, where the route goes straight on and ends and the same place that it started.