Ramblers Portugal's Emerald Coast

Ancora Valley walk (Grade 4)

This gentle introduction to the area is centred on the valley of the river Ancora itself. We walk through lush green fields still farmed in the classic Minho style. Charming villages dot the valley. At the centre of the walk is the river Ancora with its many old crossing points and its sparkling crystal clear waters.

Dem-Orbacém (Grade 4) 

Today we move onto the lower slopes of the Serra d’Agra and walk through villages strung along a spring line. The rough slopes of the Serra d’Agra are above us but our meandering route takes us through the fields and villages that form the lower slopes. After a picnic lunch, we descend again into the valley of the river Ancora where the river again accompanies us as it cascades down through rock pools, passes under ancient bridges and gently winds its way through fields.

Serra d’Agra (Grade 4)

Today we go into the mountains. After driving as high as we can we walk up the final section of the northern slopes of the Serra d’Agra before walking across the high level plateau that forms the summit to Porta do Lobo, the “Gate of the wolf”. Here we feel on top of the world looking down into the valley of the river Lima and across to the high mountains of the Gerês and Peneda ranges beyond. From here an ancient stone trail gently winds down the hillside and our walk continues through the iconic Agra villages. After an easy but dramatic walk we may relax in the very traditional Taberna do Horacio before returning to Vila Praia de Ancora.

A day in Galicia (Grade 4) 

We ferry across the estuary of the river Minho and walk up the dramatic hillside of Santa Tecla, where every stone seems to ooze with Celtic history. The spectacular views from the top of the hillside are made even more interesting by the simple sanctuary at the summit and the remarkable remains of the Celtic settlement. Although this is not a demanding day anyone who does not want to walk to the top can have an easy low level wander through the charming village of Camposancos and enjoy a stroll along the estuary.

S. João-Montaria-Gondar (Grade 6)

Our walk begins at the ancient monastery of S Joao de Agra and follows a route over the open rocky mountains with the rough slopes of the Serra d’Agra all around. From the village of S Lourenço de Montaria we follow the lower slopes of the Serra D’Agra as we walk through farming villages along the spring line. We complete the walk by descending into the lush valley where fields & vineyards surround the village of Gondar.

VPA – Afife – Carreço – VPA (Grade 6)

Our walk begins in Vila Praia d’Ancora and follows the Caminho de Santiago southwards to Carreço taking in traditional little villages and meandering through verdant woodland before reaching the coast and returning northwards along a magnificent coastline and lovely beaches.

Serra de Santa Luzia (Grade 6)

Our walk starts Carreço then climbs 400m to the top of Serra de Santa Luzia. It goes across the hills before descending gradually to village of S Mamede. It then follows the waymarked route “Trilho dos Canos de Àgua”, an ancient water supply system in granite “pipes” into S Luzia sanctuary before descending into Viana do Castelo via the longest funicular in Portugal.

Serra d’Agra-Sra do Minho-S. Aginha (Grade 6)

Today we go into the mountains. After driving as high as we can we walk up the final section of the northern slopes of the Serra d’Agra before walking across the high-level plateau to the viewpoint of S. do Minho on the southern edge. Here we feel on top of the world looking down into the valley of the River Lima and across to the high mountains of the Gerês and Peneda ranges beyond. From here an ancient stone trail goes through Porta do Lobo, the “Gate of the wolf” before winding down the hillside and our walk continues through the iconic Agra villages to finish at Taberna do Horacio. Most may choose to finish here but others may continue to a further village for a real full day’s walking.

A Day in Galicia (Grade 6)

Santa Tecla where every stone seems to ooze with Celtic history. We ferry across the estuary of the river Minho and walk up the dramatic hillside of Santa Tecla. The spectacular views from the top of the hillside are made even more interesting by the simple sanctuary at the summit and the remarkable remains of the Celtic settlement. We then descend on the Via Sacra to the port town of A Guardia before following a coastal walk, initially on the rocky Atlantic coast and then along the estuary of the river Minho.