CP18 - Ponte de Lima - Rubiaes - 22,1 km
Itinerary
You will leave Ponte de Lima via Largo Luís de Camoes and will cross the great Roman-Gothic Bridge. You will get to Arcozelo and Santa Marinha Church, and from the church you will go down to cross Geira Bridge over the river Labruja, arriving at Regatal. After passing by Cerceira, you will follow the arrows under the highway and avoid the N-306. Across the mountains you will pass by Mouro and Salgueiro, where you will cross Arco Bridge.
300 m ahead, you will see Sao Sebastiao Chapel and soon after, Nossa Senhora da Guia Chapel, arriving at Codeçal, where you can see the beautiful Nossa Senhora das Neves Chapel and its calvary. Keep going up heading towards Labruja via Balada. You will leave Sao Cristovao Church (in Matriz) to the right and continue towards Vinhó, where you will find the mythical Fonte das tres Bicas. Now you will start the ascent to Sant’Ana Chapel passing by Bandeira and Olival, going up to the top in Portela Grande, finding Cruz dos Franceses or Cruz dos Mortos.
On the top of the mountain, you will pass by the forest ranger’s house and will go down to Cabanas. In Tapada da Giesta you will find a group of mills perfectly preserved. Keep going on until you get to Agualonga, cross an old bridge and then you will arrive at Sao Roque Chapel and back on the Roman causeway. Continue on and head towards Rubiaes Romanesque Church.
Information about Rubiaes in Wikipedia >>> CLICK HERE
External info sources about this route and recommended websites:
Federación Española de Asociaciones del Camino de Santiago
Asociación Galega de Amigos do Camiño de Santiago
There is a complete and excellent Guide of the Portuguese Central Way by the “Asociación Galega de Amigos do Camiño de Santiago”. You can download it in their web or just clicking here.
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