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4. After 600
metres you will notice an obelisk and cross to your
right, which can be reached by a narrow path. This is
not the highest point but is well worth the detour for
the magnificent views.
At the obelisk is a
cross, erected in January 2000 to celebrate the
centenary. There is also a stone shelter with a hand
painted sign on a rock indicating that it was built as a
shelter for shepherds awaiting their flocks.
Underfoot are odd
limestone formations, sculpted by years of rain and
wind: fascinating for anyone with even the mildest
interest in geology.
From here the view is
truly awe-inspiring. To the east, you will clearly see
past the town of Alcobaça to the coast, providing of
course that the day itself is clear, and the seaside
town of Nazaré, some 20 kilometres distant. To the left
(south) of Nazaré is the beautiful bay at Sao Martinho
do Porto.
5. Returning to the main
track, continue your walk for 500 metres passing the
highest point in the range on your right. There is a
path that turns sharp right to take you to the summit,
which is littered with ugly radio masts and other such
communications eyesores, unfortunately essential in a
modern technology age.
In my humble opinion
there is no point in taking the path to the summit
except to say that you have been to the summit.
6. Continue on the track
downhill - whether taking the detour to the summit or
not - until you meet at T-junction where you turn left.
Follow this major track as it drops down the hillside,
ignoring any side turnings until you reach a cross roads
after 700 metres. Turn right at the cross roads,
signposted Bezerra (providing the sign post has survived
- as it was on its last leg(s) when we went. This track
leads you down to the main ro0ad where you turn left and
return to your start point.
Look out for the
ancient water depositories in the village - stone built
'outhouses' with sharply pitched roofs. There is one
such depository which has been restored on the way out
of the village and is worth stopping to admire. |
