Idanha-a-Velha | Percurso Preto

Places of passage: Monsanto, Adingeiro, Carroqueiro, Relva, Penha Garcia, Termas de Monfortinho, Salvaterra de Extremo, Rosmaninhal, Cegonhas, Ladoeiro, Alcafozes

The route departs the Historical Village of Idanha-a-Velha towards Monsanto, turning right onto the N332 and right again shortly afterwards, in the direction of Adingeiro. This road is almost all uphill. Upon arrival in Adingeiro the route takes a left turn towards Carroqueiro and then turns right onto the N239 towards Monsanto. Shortly afterwards it turns right towards Relva and right again onto Valado’s narrow cobblestone streets. Monsanto is accessed along fairly steep streets that lead into the village of Relva and continue upwards to the Historical Village of Monsanto, which is entered through the west gate next to the cemetery. The ascent from Valado to Monsanto is about 2.5 km with a difficult surface, but the landscapes that can be enjoyed along the route make it worthwhile. At the top of Monsanto, after passing the village, there is a steep descent towards Relva followed by a right turn towards Eugénia where the route turns left to rejoin the N239, on the right, towards Penha Garcia. After around 7 km it turns left to access Penha Garcia, yet another village that is well worth a visit to see its natural and cultural resources. The route passes through the village and descends again to the N239 in the direction of Termas de Monfortinho, running gently downhill for 11 km. It passes through Termas de Monfortinho and continues southwards on the N240 for a few kilometres towards Salvaterra do Extremo and the territory’s most remote border landscapes. From this borderland village the route skirts the Tagus International Natural Park and heads for the border village of Segura. From here, it runs towards Rosmaninhal and takes a right turn before the bridge over the border river Erges and its valleys that seem to be carved into the rock. It continues for around 20 km on a narrow rural road as far as Rosmaninhal, leaving the natural park slightly to the left. The route passes through the village and continues southwards towards Cegonhas where it re-enters the park with a left turn towards Monforte da Beira. The Rosmaninhal - Monforte da Beira road undulates constantly, with some demanding climbs in between. Before Monforte da Beira it turns right towards Ladoeiro, affording more fantastic views of the borderland landscapes. The route skirts Ladoeiro and follows the N354 towards Idanha-a-Nova without passing through the village, but rather turning right towards Alcafozes on the N354 before Senhora da Graça. At the Alcafozes roundabout it turns left onto the N332 with Monsanto on the horizon and the Historical Village of Idanha-a-Velha emerging in the valley. The final few kilometres are all downhill. Finally the route turns right and ends by entering the village.