Nature and Heritage is what you will find during a pleasant walk

The trails, duly marked, are a way to explore the best of nature, discover all the secrets, observe the different species of flora and fauna or simply forget about the stress of everyday life.

Sernancelhe Village Route: offers a detailed tour of the municipality’s seat. It is a route that must be taken on foot, without rushing, and with a predisposition to appreciate the countless testimonies of the local architecture.

Nossa Senhora da Lapa Route: starting from the county seat towards Nossa Senhora da Lapa, you can appreciate the locality that managed to transform its religious origins into a business card. Still on this journey, we suggest a visit to the land and the house where Aquilino Ribeiro, one of the greatest Portuguese writers of the 20th century, was born, in the village of Carregal.

Route between the mountains and the river: The first part of the journey passes through villages where agricultural gestures are still very present in the daily lives of the local inhabitants. The granite houses testify to the attachment of the people of these villages to their environment and to the centuries-old practice of subsistence agriculture. The second part of this route takes place along the River Távora. Riverside villages such as Faia and Fonte Arcada are a reason to visit for a while, as they offer ideal leisure areas for a late summer afternoon.

Serra do Pereira route: Dominated by the deep and verdant valley, the mountain carries the weight of several sanctuaries where faith and devotion to the saints gives rise to imposing pilgrimages, as is the case of Nossa Senhora de Ao Pé da Cruz. A visit to the Ribeira monastery and the granite village that surrounds it is a must. Finally, you can always enjoy the trout and river fish that the restaurants in Ponte do Abade make the old-fashioned way.

Pedestrian Trail Route of Chestnut and Chestnut Tree: The Route of Chestnut and Chestnut Tree, the most important pedestrian trail in Sernancelhe Municipality, passes through Caminho da Seara, located on the slope of Nossa Senhora de Ao Pé da Cruz, facing the seat of the county. It is an area full of chestnut groves and is considered one of the areas that produces the most chestnuts. It is also one of the most beautiful slopes in all of the Municipality, as it combines centuries-old groves with new plantations of this type of trees.

Helpful hints for the hiker:

1) Choose a trail that is marked and recognized by the respective City Council (such as those mentioned above!)

2) Wear proper footwear

3) Take a waterproof jacket to protect yourself in case of rain

4) Take sunscreen, a flashlight in case it gets dark, a map of the route, or a cell phone with GPS

5) Go with a group or with more than one person

6) Always have fresh water, fruit and energy bars to make small meals.