Walk 6201 - Montesinho Natural Park - Northern Portugal

Set far in the north of the country, near the border with Spain, the village of França offers an ideal base for exploring the gentle mountains of this forgotten corner of Europe. The village is situated at 700m above sea level on the eastern edge of the Montesinho Mountain Range, where the rushing River Sabor leaves the rugged gorge to continue a more gentle descent to the Douro some 60 miles away.

There are a number of walks available varying in length from an easy 4 km to a more demanding 15km. These walks from França involve following the wooded river valley up or down-stream, and then climbing up on to the open hills to allow a gentle descent back to the village with uninterupted views. You will seldom meet anyone other than a solitary shepherd with sheep or goats. The walks will take you through secluded pastures, where the Mirandesa cattle graze, or beside small hidden vegetable plots growing cabbages and beans. On a large field below the village, individual strips are still cultivated using oxen or donkey. A short drive away, the bleaker expanses above Montesinho can be enjoyed, or further walks explored in Spain.

The village itself has much to interest the visitor, be it the working flour-mill or the local ´fumeiro´ where traditional sausages are made. Every home produces its own wine, bakes its own bread, and many women continue to wash their clothes in the river. A strong sense of community persists, which is reflected in the frequent village festas, marked by singing and impromptu poetry.

Key walking facts : Easy - moderate grade walks involving 400-500m ascents, 4-15km in length, mostly along tracks and paths. Wooded valley bottoms interspersed with cutivated fields, pastures & vines, and open mountain tops. Beautifully clear waters of the River Sabor in which to take a refreshing bathe. A well preserved Portuguese village still practising the traditional way of life.

Accessibility : 3hrs drive Porto; 2.5 and 4.5 hrs Valladolid & Madrid, Spain.

Accommodation : 3 traditional self-catering cottages to let in, and on the edge of, the village.(www.promise-of-portugal.com)

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