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recommended route
Hiking Trail
· Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Open
PR14 CVL - Shepherds' Balcony Trail
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Município da Covilhã
Município da Covilhã
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Photo: Manuel Franco, Responsible Trails
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This trail runs along the plateau adjacent to Penhas da Saúde and is a great way to get a feel for the Serra da Estrela.
Open
difficult
Distance 12.2 km
3:00 h
493 m
493 m
1,752 m
1,315 m
With a moderate level of difficulty and following a circular route, this trail is designed to help visitors understand the natural and social dynamics of high-altitude pastures. The hike takes place in an environment that clearly reveals the two major forces shaping the contemporary landscape of the Serra: on the one hand, natural phenomena (glaciation, periglacial phenomena, and other elements, as well as the fauna and flora), and the no less natural human phenomenon (first and foremost pastoralism, but also rural and industrial life in the valleys, and even the modern dynamics of health, leisure, and tourism in Penhas). As you traverse the Alto da Pedrice plateau and explore the evidence of pastoral life found here—such as sheepfolds, shelters, and other features—you’ll also discover some of the most impressive views and geomorphological features in the municipality of Covilhã.
Along the route, points of interest include the Viriato Dam, the Ribeira da Água Fria stream, and the Malhada do Prior.
Difficulty
difficult
Overall difficulty
difficult
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
1,752 m
Lowest point
1,315 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt
1.4 km
Forested/wild trail
1.6 km
Path
7.3 km
Unknown
1.9 km
Safety information
Please keep in mind that these are mountain trails with sections that lack a clearly defined path; we recommend exercising special caution in foggy conditions and using our app to assist with navigation.Watch out for livestock and guard dogs. Please remember that they are working and will always protect their herd. If necessary, go around the herd and alert the shepherd.
- Bring a map showing the route or a GPS navigation file.
- Stay on the marked trail.
- Respect private property.
- Leave gates exactly as you found them.
- If they are closed, make sure they are securely closed.
- Avoid making noise that disturbs the environment.
- Do not pick or damage plants.
- Do not disturb the animals.
- Do not leave any trash behind; take it to a location where trash collection is available.
- Do not light fires outside of the permitted seasons.
- If fires are permitted, always use the equipment provided for that purpose (e.g., grills in picnic areas).
- Do not destroy or alter signage.
- Do not damage heritage sites or other existing facilities.
- Give preference to local products, thereby contributing to the local economies of the places you visit.
- If you are accompanied by a pet, make sure it does not disturb local wildlife or livestock.
- Help maintain this trail by reporting any issues you encounter.
- These trails are located within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
- We recommend that you bring field guides—particularly bird and plant guides—as well as a camera and binoculars for observing wildlife from a distance.
Tips and suggestions
In case of an emergency, in addition to the national emergency number 112, you can contact Mountain Rescue (GNR - UEPS) at +351 275 249 131 or +351 961 188 070.Rest stop
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Waypoint
Start point
End point
Low point
High point
Forecast
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Photo
Video
Penhas da SaúdeBarragem da Cova do Viriato
Marco Geodésico dos Piornos
Cascalheiras do Alto da Pedrice
Shepard's Balcony
Coordinates
DD
40.309835, -7.552275
DMS
40°18'35.4"N 7°33'08.2"W
UTM
29T 623019 4463152
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Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated from Portuguese.
Status
Open
Difficulty
difficult
Overall difficulty
difficult
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Distance
12.2 km
Duration
3:00 h
Ascent
493 m
Descent
493 m
Highest point
1,752 m
Lowest point
1,315 m
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
Maps and trails
Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
Distance
Duration
Ascent
Descent
User Questions