# Calçada Trail

> This is one of the most emblematic routes in the Parque Natural de Montesinho, and the reason lies in the ground itself. This is not a trail that passes by a Roman remnant — it is a trail that walks upon one: two kilometres of paved road, stone by stone, climbing the hillside between the rio Tuela and the village of Moimenta.

URL: https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/en/percurso/trilho-da-calcada

- **Activity:** Walking trail
- **Distance:** 8.3 km
- **Elevation gain:** 410 m
- **Elevation loss:** 412 m
- **Altitude:** 702–936 m
- **Estimated time:** 3h
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_PPR07
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/en/)
- **GPX:** https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/percurso/trilho-da-calcada/export-gpx

**Two kilometres of Roman road**

This is one of the most emblematic routes in the Parque Natural de Montesinho, and the reason lies in the ground itself. This is not a trail that passes by a Roman remnant — it is a trail that walks upon one: two kilometres of paved road, stone by stone, climbing the hillside between the rio Tuela and the village of Moimenta. The same surface trodden by travellers and merchants two thousand years ago lies underfoot.

Around the Roman road, in just over eight kilometres, the route brings together the best of Montesinho: a well-preserved granite village, a viewpoint with sweeping vistas, a mountain path, a river crossed by two bridges, and forests of oak and chestnut.

**Moimenta**

The route is circular, beginning and ending in Moimenta, beside the old primary school, less than three kilometres from Spain. The village rewards a unhurried visit: traditional stone houses kept with care, the imposing Igreja de Moimenta with its two towers, the communal forge and bread oven, and the Taberna da Ribeira d'Anta for a well-earned rest. The Museu do Contrabando stands right at the start and finish point, and tells the other story of this border — the one that unfolded by night.

**The Miradouro de Moimenta**

About one and a half kilometres from the village, perched on a rocky outcrop, stands the Miradouro de Moimenta. The view spans 360 degrees: the village on one side, the steep-sided valleys of the Tuela on the other, and mountain ridges in every direction. It is a place worth lingering.

**The hillside path**

Between the viewpoint and the river, the route follows a narrow mountain path with stone steps and passages between boulders — one of the most beautiful and demanding sections of the walk. The sound of the Tuela is a constant companion: the river is heard long before it is seen.

**The Tuela and the two bridges**

The route meets the river at two points. At the Ponte do Couço, a place of shade and running water, made for resting. And at the medieval bridge, which frames itself at the foot of the valley and marks the crossing from one bank to the other — one of those spots that nobody crosses without stopping to take a photograph. Connecting the two bridges, a hillside path winds through oak and chestnut woodland.

**The Roman road**

The paved road links the medieval bridge to Moimenta and forms the backbone of the route. Two kilometres of worn stone slabs, with a serious change in elevation, serve as a reminder that this village was once an important place of passage. Halfway up the hillside stands the Fraga das Almas, clearly visible to those passing by. More discreet is the Castro da Cigadonha: it lies just beside the path, hidden by vegetation, and little of it can be seen — but simply knowing it is there is enough to understand that this hillside was inhabited long before the Romans paved it.

**Eyes open**

The route passes through the heart of the Parque Natural, and wildlife is the reason for its existence: Iberian wolf, red deer, foxes, and birds of prey inhabit these valleys. The more elusive species keep out of sight, but the flocks that still cross the paths around Moimenta are a reminder that this landscape continues to be worked. Those wishing to extend their visit will find a picnic area and watermills at the edge of the village, and the Fraga dos Três Reinos about three kilometres away.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Calçada Trail route and how much climbing does it have?

8.3 km, with 410 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Calçada Trail route take?

About 3h (estimated time).

### When is the best time to ride or walk the Calçada Trail route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Calçada Trail route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Calçada Trail route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Calçada Trail route?

The GPX track is available at https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/percurso/trilho-da-calcada/export-gpx.