The PR IV - Castro Laboreiro Interpretative Trail starts in the village of Castro Laboreiro and follows old paths connecting the valley and the plateau, passing through places marked by the history and traditional way of life of this region.
The climb towards Branda da Portela follows an old path bordered by oak woodland, used for centuries by local communities and livestock moving between the valley and the plateau, adapting their activities to the different conditions of the mountain environment.
At the highest point of the route, at around 1,100 metres of elevation, a natural viewpoint among granite boulders offers views over the Laboreiro River valley, the Peneda mountain range and the Castle of Castro Laboreiro.
During the descent towards the valley, the route reveals the prados de lima, a traditional technique used during winter to protect grass from frost, continuing afterwards to Ponte das Veigas before returning to the starting point.
Type: Short Trail (PR) Loop
Distance: 5.2
Difficulty: Easy (level 2)
GPS Coordinates: 42°01'50.0"N 8°09'34.0"W