Lomba d’El-Rei

Lomba d’El-Rei is a 4.3-kilometre circuit around Achadinha, linking the village centre with streams and farm tracks on the slope. Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church marks the start before the climb through Moio de Baixo, where crops and small parcels accompany the houses. The route begins in a settled environment but then descends into more enclosed, damp valleys.

After crossing Ribeira do Lenho, the path reaches a paved road and approaches Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Mill ruins and a bridge recall the importance of water to milling and local connections. Cedar woodland and shaded banks contrast with open views of the Nordeste cliffs. The route then gains height again through Lomba d’El-Rei, the ridge that gives the circuit its name.

On the return, a passage near the expressway requires care before Fonte Velha and the former wash tanks. Eira Velha and Rua Formosa lead back to the church, completing about two hours of medium walking. The circuit brings together everyday heritage—mills, fountains, wash places and threshing ground—without separating it from paths still used by the community. Its character comes from that continuity among water, farming and settlement.

Begin at Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church and follow the waymarks uphill through Moio de Baixo. Descend farm tracks to Ribeira do Lenho, cross at the indicated point and use the paved section towards Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Pass the mill ruins and bridge, then climb through vegetation to Lomba d’El-Rei. Cross the expressway area only on the marked access and continue via Fonte Velha, Eira Velha and Rua Formosa back to the church. Allow about two hours to complete the 4.3-kilometre circuit and keep a margin of daylight, including time for signed branches and stops.