BTT02Paçó Route

The reservoir and the shepherds' villages

This route grows out of the Rota da Barragem de Prada and takes it further. It is not only woodland and water; it is also the rural landscape of Montesinho: 19.4 kilometres and around 450 metres of cumulative ascent, with pastures, chestnut groves, flocks and two stone villages, Paçó and Prada. It is a blue route, of moderate difficulty, for those who want more than a first encounter with the area.

Encounters with flocks of sheep and their shepherds are not the exception; they are part of everyday life here, and one of the most authentic images of the Parque Natural de Montesinho.

Start and finish at the Parque Biológico

The route is circular and begins and ends at the entrance to the Parque Biológico de Vinhais. The first kilometres descend gently to 890 metres, at kilometre 2.5, before climbing towards the reservoir.

Barragem de Prada

At kilometre 7.3, the Barragem de Prada, with its expanse of water and the Charca do Vidoeiro nearby, is the first significant landmark of the day. As in the route from which this one originates, it is the water that guides the way, always among oak and chestnut trees.

The high point above the vale de Dine

Between kilometres 9 and 10.5 the route climbs around 80 metres to the highest point of the day, at 1,034 metres, and the landscape opens out over the vale de Dine, with Dine, Fresulfe and Santa Cruz in view. This is followed by the longest descent, around 160 metres over two kilometres, down to Paçó.

Paçó

Paçó is reached at kilometre 12.8, with a fountain, a café and, in the square beside the Igreja de Paçó, the Pelourinho, listed as a Public Interest Property, a reminder of a former municipality that was once headquartered here. It is the ideal stop to restore energy before the return leg.

Prada

Prada, at kilometre 15.9, is the second village — small and quiet, with stone houses and a café. Between Prada and the Parque Biológico the path climbs around 90 metres, the final ascent of the day, before closing the loop at 940 metres. Those looking for a shorter version of the same landscape will find the Rota da Barragem de Prada, a green route, starting from the same point.