Núcleo de São Luís
Porto Covo
82.5 KM
A very difficult route that will take you to the coast in Porto Covo. The color of this route is due not only to its length but also to several other difficulties that promise to thrill the most demanding mountain bikers.
The track has several single tracks including two extraordinary tracks in the Serra do Cercal (17 km), another on the cliffs of Porto Covo (40 km), a very interesting one among the gum cistus (56 km) and lastly the unmissable single from the retaining dam of the Mira River. (km 67).
The route also includes several waterway crossings that can be problematic or dangerous after heavy rainfall.
Note that the route runs along the small beach by the fishing harbour at Porto Covo which can be unviable or dangerous during high tide.
The journey along this route is mainly on rural and forest paths and trails, and occasionally on some asphalt. It also explores a small part of the coast between two emblematic places of the region, Porto Covo and Forte do Pessegueiro.
Apart from Porto Covo, it also passes through the villages of Cercal do Alentejo, Sonega and Vale Bejinha.
Datasheet
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Very difficult
TYPE: Anti-clockwise Circuit
LENGTH: 82.5 km
DURATION: 4h00 to 6h00
MARKED ROUTE: No
ACCUMULATED LEVEL: 1140m
MAX ALTITUDE: 311m
MIN. ALTITUDE: 1m
TECHNICAL LEVEL: 3 (5)
PHYSICAL LEVEL: 4 (5)
ADVISED SEASON: All year round avoiding temperatures above 30º
Tips
In Porto Covo take a short trip to Largo Marquês de Pombal, a small pedestrian and central square.
This route is a shorter version of route 26:“Campilhas and Porto Covo” that you can choose to do if this route seems too easy for you.
Support Points:
12 km – Cercal do Alentejo
31 km – Sonega
40 km – Porto Covo
45 km – Forte do Pessegueiro
49 km – Ribª da Azenha (300 m proximity)
72 km – Vale Bejinha
Warnings
The route runs along some streets in the centre of São Luís, it crosses numerous national and municipal roads that can be very busy. Caution is recommended.
Part of the route coincides with the Fisherman’s Trail (TP), the Historic Trail (GR11) and some Circular Routes all along the Rota Vicentina, so it is very likely that you will encounter walkers.
There may be a need to open livestock protection gates. Always close them after passing.
After heavy rainfall some paths may be flooded or very muddy. Also some waterway crossings can be unviable or dangerous.
In some sections you will suddenly find a lot of sand. Be observant and adjust your speed.
Sections in common with routes of the same headtrail
21 Hortinhas
23 Troviscais and Mira
24 Srª das Neves and Mira
26 Campilhas and Porto Covo
Links with other Headtrails
Odemira Headtrail – 09 Milfontes
Colos Headtrail – 46 Bicos and Srª das Neves
