GR50 - Etapa 12

GR50 - Grande Rota Peneda-Gerês - Stage 12: Campo do Gerês ➔ Gerês Stage 12 of the GR50 starts in Campo do Gerês and ends in Vila do Gerês, following ancient paths and trails once used by local communities to access the mountain resources. The route takes place in a mountain environment, crossing one of the elevations of the Gerês mountain range, marked by the Lamas landmark at 958 metres above sea level. The landscape is defined by deep valleys, water lines, wet areas, woodlands and extensive shrubland. Along the route, habitats of inland Mediterranean heath and gorse shrublands stand out, as well as several native plant species, including tormentil, wild orchids and satyr orchids. After passing through Junceda, an area associated with a former Forest Guard house, the route crosses forested areas with Scots pine, birch, oak and cedar trees. The approach to Vila do Gerês is marked by several viewpoints, including the Junceda Viewpoint, Boneca Viewpoint and Fraga Negra Viewpoint, overlooking the Gerês fault valley and the granite landscape of the mountain range. Near the end of the stage, the Penedo da Freira rock formation also stands out, associated with a local legend, before the descent into the centre of Vila do Gerês.