PR 15 - TRIPS TO THE PREHISTORY

These trips are made essentially in the Freita plateau. Starting and finishing in the Merujal village, you have the opportunity to discover some of the most significant Geosites of the Mountain, in particular the Pedras Parideiras House, the Frecha da Mizarela and the “Corn bread” rocks of Junqueiro. Merujal, Cabaços and Castanheira are some of the most characteristic villages of this part of Arouca Geopark, and you can also find some testimonies of prehistoric funerary monuments, that are well worth a visit.

Departure and arrival: Merujal (Freita Mountain)

Type of route: Short distance route by rural and mountain paths

Distance to go: 17 000 m (circular)

Duration: About 5 to 6 hours

Level of difficulty: Medium

Altitude: Merujal (870 m)> Cabaços (950 m)> Castanheira (920 m)> Monte Calvo (1008 m)> P. da Anta (990 m)> Alb.ª da Serra (920 m)

Advised season: All the year, bearing in mind that in winter, the Freita Mountain is subject to low temperatures, snowfall and ice formation, sometimes in an unexpected way.

Geosites: G5 – Mizarela lithological contact, G6 –Frecha da Mizarela Viewpoint, G7 – Pedras Parideiras (Rocks delivering stones), G11 – “Corn bread” rocks of Junqueiro.

Other points of interest: Merujal, Cabaças, Castanheira, Alb.ª da Serra villages; Portela da Anta, Mamoas do Monte Calvo, Pedras Parideiras House.