The track of Ermelo is a type of pedestrian / bicycle pathway covering a distance of 5.2 kilometres at an easy degree of difficulty, motor vehicles being prohibited. The river Lima at this point, is actually a reservoir formed by the dam of Touvedo, located 5km below.
It is worth following the short branch to the southwest, for about 0.6 km. You will be rewarded with beautiful scenery and good opportunities to observe wildlife. Another track continues shortly after the end of this one, but does not have enough high vegetation, so it is not as advisable.
The main branch, close the foothills of the Serra do Mezio, follows the northwest past several brooks and streams with fast currents that feed the Touvedo reservoir. This branch is distinguished by being one of the few places where otter, roe deer and capped heron can be sighted. All this branch is afforested, so you can enjoy some shade if it’s hot.
When approaching Ermelo, we can observe the first signs of cultivation and small terraced vineyards and olive groves becoming increasingly clear. Orange’s trees delimit the road and, already in Ermelo, you can find them everywhere. In case it’s orange season, try one and soon you will understand why the Ermelo oranges have such a good reputation.
In the village of Ermelo (4.6 km away) it is really worthwile climbing up to the church. This church is classified as a national monument and was built where a Cistercian monastery of the thirteenth century previously once existed; a monastery that was formerly linked to the Soajo, then the Peneda and Melgaço villages, monastery of which there are still some traces. The most obvious parts of the original structure are its triumphal arch and the rose window, both visible from the outside.
You may find the old route to the Soajo following the trail all the way (4.8 km), thence upstream from Ermelo. Following this path for about 400 meters, you’ll get to a beautiful and ancient bridge of the seventeenth century, which crosses the river.
Starting point: Ermelo church (between the roman bridge, on the streams of Lapa and the village of Ermelo)
Arrival: In Negreirô, after the recreations area of Vilarinho de Souto.
Length: 5.2 km
Location: Arcos de Valdevez
It is worth following the short branch to the southwest, for about 0.6 km. You will be rewarded with beautiful scenery and good opportunities to observe wildlife. Another track continues shortly after the end of this one, but does not have enough high vegetation, so it is not as advisable.
The main branch, close the foothills of the Serra do Mezio, follows the northwest past several brooks and streams with fast currents that feed the Touvedo reservoir. This branch is distinguished by being one of the few places where otter, roe deer and capped heron can be sighted. All this branch is afforested, so you can enjoy some shade if it’s hot.
When approaching Ermelo, we can observe the first signs of cultivation and small terraced vineyards and olive groves becoming increasingly clear. Orange’s trees delimit the road and, already in Ermelo, you can find them everywhere. In case it’s orange season, try one and soon you will understand why the Ermelo oranges have such a good reputation.
In the village of Ermelo (4.6 km away) it is really worthwile climbing up to the church. This church is classified as a national monument and was built where a Cistercian monastery of the thirteenth century previously once existed; a monastery that was formerly linked to the Soajo, then the Peneda and Melgaço villages, monastery of which there are still some traces. The most obvious parts of the original structure are its triumphal arch and the rose window, both visible from the outside.
You may find the old route to the Soajo following the trail all the way (4.8 km), thence upstream from Ermelo. Following this path for about 400 meters, you’ll get to a beautiful and ancient bridge of the seventeenth century, which crosses the river.
Starting point: Ermelo church (between the roman bridge, on the streams of Lapa and the village of Ermelo)
Arrival: In Negreirô, after the recreations area of Vilarinho de Souto.
Length: 5.2 km
Location: Arcos de Valdevez
