Trail of Brandeiro is a walking path of small route (PR) signalized and marked according international rules. This path is located on the northern edge of Serra da Peneda, on the plateau known by Chã do Alto de Corisco, county of Melgaço and involves part of the territory of the parish of Gave.
Starting from the village of Melgaço, take the road to Peneda Gerês National Park in direction to the gate of Lamas de Mouro (one of the entrances to the National Park) and, once there, take the road to S. Bento do Cando. After walking about 30 km we are in Branda da Aveleira. We start this trail near the niche next to the road. Cross the road and follow a path that allows us to cover the plain land. We can enjoy the beautiful mountains of Minho and Galiza and also the wide valley of Minho, where the river has been sculpting and drawing the landscape. The path, step by step, turns into a small trail open in the dense vegetation, consisting of shrub (Erica sp.) and broom (Genista Tidentatum). We gradually lost altitude and the trail turns into a paved path that allowed access to carts pulled by oxen. When it ends, we follow the forest path that leads us to Branda de Covelo, where we can enjoy an outstanding landscape and a set of rural buildings harmoniously framed. After visiting this picturesque place, we continue by a paved road that leads us to a wood where abound trees like oak (Quercus robur), Pyrenean oak (Quercus pirenayca), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and birch (Betula alba) abound. Going through a forest path that keeps the quota, we will reach Branda de Mourim. This “branda” (mild cultivation) is located about 950 meters above sea level, between two ravines, in a very rough ground, where the cultivation of terraced fields is the result of a hard work during centuries. From here, we will keep on going down a forest path that will take us to overcome the steep slopes that separates us from Alto do Fojo. After some time we reach the plain land of Alto de Corisco, to go down to the asphalt road, where we turn to the right, meeting the beginning of this mountain trail.
Location: Melgaço
Starting from the village of Melgaço, take the road to Peneda Gerês National Park in direction to the gate of Lamas de Mouro (one of the entrances to the National Park) and, once there, take the road to S. Bento do Cando. After walking about 30 km we are in Branda da Aveleira. We start this trail near the niche next to the road. Cross the road and follow a path that allows us to cover the plain land. We can enjoy the beautiful mountains of Minho and Galiza and also the wide valley of Minho, where the river has been sculpting and drawing the landscape. The path, step by step, turns into a small trail open in the dense vegetation, consisting of shrub (Erica sp.) and broom (Genista Tidentatum). We gradually lost altitude and the trail turns into a paved path that allowed access to carts pulled by oxen. When it ends, we follow the forest path that leads us to Branda de Covelo, where we can enjoy an outstanding landscape and a set of rural buildings harmoniously framed. After visiting this picturesque place, we continue by a paved road that leads us to a wood where abound trees like oak (Quercus robur), Pyrenean oak (Quercus pirenayca), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and birch (Betula alba) abound. Going through a forest path that keeps the quota, we will reach Branda de Mourim. This “branda” (mild cultivation) is located about 950 meters above sea level, between two ravines, in a very rough ground, where the cultivation of terraced fields is the result of a hard work during centuries. From here, we will keep on going down a forest path that will take us to overcome the steep slopes that separates us from Alto do Fojo. After some time we reach the plain land of Alto de Corisco, to go down to the asphalt road, where we turn to the right, meeting the beginning of this mountain trail.
Location: Melgaço
