If you are staying in the area and would like to see around the lovely town of Penamacor, and take in a bit of countryside, but don’t have much time, this is the one for you.

We can take you around the town, to the highlights of the castle and the old town, the church and a chapel, and then to the surrounding area. The walk takes in some pine woodland, lovely and cool on a warm day, and even has a tiny ‘sun cave’ to explore.  We drop down the back of the town and immediately it feels like you are in the middle of rural countryside. We take the track through farmland, and detour around the ruins of the old mine buildings that mark where a busy mine used to operate. From here we pass next to old stone walls, and a few stone fountains – welcome cool water to splash over you!

At the top, we re-enter civilization, but first pass by some huge old cork oaks, and a lovely stone chapel.  We meander back into town, and there are many cafes to relax and recharge in.

The walk around the dam at Meimoa is a challenge due to the length, not so much the terrain. It is a longer walk, taking you around the edge of the dam. It is on the edge of the Malcatta Nature Park, so is quiet and peaceful – except of course at the swimming beach where you can sit, relax and swim in the cool, clear water.

The track follows the edge of the dam, up and down each finger of land, through some untouched forest, and back out into farmland, passing tiny farms. You may meet a goatherd on the way, or someone working in their horta, but generally you have it all to yourself – wild swimming anyone?

There is usually plenty of birdlife on the way; keep a look out for a grebe or cormorant on the water, eagles or buzzards overhead, and long-tailed tits in the pines. There are usually signs of wild boar digging in the native flora – at the right time of year you will get to see orchids, or spring flowers along the track edges.