# Gamoneda Mountain Range Route

> This route makes a single landscape of both sides of the border. It is not a trip to Spain but a 134.1-kilometre loop that crosses into Galicia twice — through Hermisende and San Ciprián and then through Manzalvos — with the Serra da Gamoneda, territory of the Iberian wolf, always prominent, and around 2,600 metres of accumulated climbing.

URL: https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/en/percurso/rota-da-serra-da-gamoneda

- **Activity:** Road cycling
- **Distance:** 134.1 km
- **Elevation gain:** 2950 m
- **Elevation loss:** 2951 m
- **Altitude:** 491–1037 m
- **Estimated time:** 7h
- **Technical difficulty:** Very hard (black)
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_CRD07PRT
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/en/)
- **GPX:** https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/percurso/rota-da-serra-da-gamoneda/export-gpx

**Two incursions into Galicia**

This route makes a single landscape of both sides of the border. It is not a trip to Spain but a 134.1-kilometre loop that crosses into Galicia twice — through Hermisende and San Ciprián and then through Manzalvos — with the Serra da Gamoneda, territory of the Iberian wolf, always prominent, and around 2,600 metres of accumulated climbing. It is a black-rated route, a full-day undertaking, in a cycle-touring register.

**Start and finish in Vinhais**

The route is circular and begins and ends at the Porta de Vinhais, at the Interface de Transportes. Vila Verde, at kilometre 6.0, and the Praia Fluvial da Ponte de Soeira, at kilometre 9.7, with a café and restaurant, open the connection to Bragança via the EN103, along the boundary of the Parque Natural, reaching the city at around kilometre 34.

**Heading towards the Gamoneda**

From Bragança the route continues through Carragosa and Parâmio, and near Fontes de Transbaceiro the turning for Spain is taken. Still on national soil, the landscape opens up with the Serra da Gamoneda in full prominence.

**Galicia**

In Spain the tarmac, language and signage change, but the biodiversity and way of life remain. The route passes through Hermisende, a well-preserved and lively village; on the way out, a narrow old bridge and the crossing of the Rio Tuela, with a riverside beach popular in summer. A long climb passes San Ciprián before the return to Portugal through the north of Moimenta.

**Moimenta and the second incursion**

Moimenta, at kilometre 73.7, with toilets, a fountain and the Museu do Contrabando, is worth a visit. Carvalhas, at kilometre 76.4, has a café, and at kilometre 77.5 the border at Manzalvos is crossed, already in Galician territory, to connect to Pinheiro Velho. The highest point of the day, at 1,037 metres, is reached at kilometre 88.8.

**Pinheiro Velho, Pinheiro Novo and the Lomba**

Pinheiro Velho, at kilometre 93.1, with a fountain, and Pinheiro Novo, at kilometre 97.1, with a fountain and a communal mill, open the Zona da Lomba: Vilarinho de Lomba, Quirás, Passos de Lomba, at kilometre 109.6, with a café, and Gestosa. The Parque de Merendas do Rabaçal, at kilometre 118.0, is the lowest point of the day, at 491 metres.

**The return**

Cruz de Revelhe, at kilometre 122.7, and Sobreiró de Cima, at kilometre 127.2, with a café and chapel, close the loop via the EN103 back to the town, with around 270 metres of climbing between the Rabaçal and Sobreiró. Those seeking another major black-rated loop through Galicia will find the Rota de A Gudiña, starting from the same point.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Gamoneda Mountain Range Route route and how much climbing does it have?

134.1 km, with 2950 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Gamoneda Mountain Range Route route take?

About 7h (estimated time).

### Is the Gamoneda Mountain Range Route route difficult?

The technical difficulty is very hard (black). Physical effort: 5 out of 5.

### When is the best time to ride or walk the Gamoneda Mountain Range Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Gamoneda Mountain Range Route route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Gamoneda Mountain Range Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Gamoneda Mountain Range Route route?

The GPX track is available at https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/percurso/rota-da-serra-da-gamoneda/export-gpx.