PR1 SRT - Caminho do Xisto de Pedrógão Pequeno I - Trilho dos Bufos

The Eagle Owl Route crosses the surroundings of Pedrógão Pequeno between the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Confiança, the shores of the Cabril reservoir and the slopes of the Zêzere valley. The landscape combines granite cliffs, cork oak and pine woodland, rural paths and features linked to the history and occupation of the area.

The route passes through Casal dos Bufos, which gives the trail its name, and follows the Porteleiros stream through a landscape where vegetation adapts to the slopes and rocky outcrops. The former Roman road provides another trace of the area's history, preserving the memory of one of the old routes connecting the banks of the Zêzere.

Near the reservoir, the landscape opens onto the Zêzere valley and the Cabril Dam. The former Cabril Quarry, where stone was extracted for the construction of the dam, adds an industrial dimension to the landscape. The granite cliffs and expanse of water create one of the most distinctive sections of the route.

Back towards the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Confiança, the altitude provides broad views over the surroundings of Pedrógão Pequeno and the reservoir. Between historical heritage, geology, woodland and riverside scenery, the trail brings together different aspects of the Zêzere landscape in a single loop.

Did you know?

The stone used to build the Cabril Dam, inaugurated in 1954, was extracted from the Cabril quarry, which can be seen along this trail.

Start / finish: Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Confiança Recommended season: All year round, with precautions due to high temperatures in summer Elevation gain: 359 m Elevation: 300 m – 458 m