The “Trilho Celta” (Celtic Trail) is a small route trail (PR), being the 11th approved and registered in the North region (11N). This trail takes place in Serra da Gávea and involves two villages: the village of Vila Nova de Cerveira and the parish of Lovelhe. Starting from the Tourist Office of Vila Nova de Cerveira, we take the direction to the historic center of this old fishermen town. Once visited the numerous monuments and typical streets, we walk outside the wall of the medieval fortress, where is now the Cerveira Castle. After few meters we find ourselves near River Minho to keep on going until Forte de Lovelhe (Lovelhe Fort). After visiting the Fort from the XVII century and the ruins of an ancient “Roman Villa”, we cross the bridge over the EN 13 (Nacional Road 13) and follow by the road that leads us to the center of this parish. Following the paved path and after a while we are in a source where we can refresh and delight with its waters, to which the local people gives them medicinal properties. Hence, from the bottom of the hill we take the path that little by little leads us to the summit. To reach the top we follow the old and still in use stone trench or, then, we can continue by the road that goes to the Ermida da Sra. da Encarnação (Sra. da Encarnação Chapel). From this place we can enjoy a stunning landscape and visit the summit – Alto de Crasto – 315 meters of altitude and where it is settled the symbol of Vila Nova de Cerveira – The Deer. For such a visit, just follow the trail in a short climbing through the rocks. Also in this place there is an area equipped for the practice of climbing sports.
As another option, we can visit the prints engraved on rocks, just going out from the church yard. Once visited this place, follow the stone channel that proceeds from the source and descend through the acacias by an old route named "Escadinhas" (Small Stairs) which will lead us to the Atalaia. Hence, we continue to descend through a dense eucalyptus forest and pine trees that, little by little, will give place to the acacias trees, to come out in the place of Outeiro da Forca. From here we go down by the old medieval place of Cortes to find the place where we began this trail. .
Points of Interest:
Fortress of King Dinis, Lovelhe Fort, Viewpoint of Senhora da Encarnação, the Alto de Castro, Climbing Area, Rock Engravings , Atalaia and Outeiro da Forca.
Distance: 8 Km
Duration (hours - approximate): 3h30m
Type of trail: (Small Route
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Start Location: Loja Interactiva de Tourismo de Cerveira
Location: Vila Nova de Cerveira
As another option, we can visit the prints engraved on rocks, just going out from the church yard. Once visited this place, follow the stone channel that proceeds from the source and descend through the acacias by an old route named "Escadinhas" (Small Stairs) which will lead us to the Atalaia. Hence, we continue to descend through a dense eucalyptus forest and pine trees that, little by little, will give place to the acacias trees, to come out in the place of Outeiro da Forca. From here we go down by the old medieval place of Cortes to find the place where we began this trail. .
Points of Interest:
Fortress of King Dinis, Lovelhe Fort, Viewpoint of Senhora da Encarnação, the Alto de Castro, Climbing Area, Rock Engravings , Atalaia and Outeiro da Forca.
Distance: 8 Km
Duration (hours - approximate): 3h30m
Type of trail: (Small Route
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Start Location: Loja Interactiva de Tourismo de Cerveira
Location: Vila Nova de Cerveira
