Trails
Vereda do Lombo Barbinhas
From Paul da Serra down a steep ridge to Chão da Ribeira
The place
The Vereda do Lombo Barbinhas links the Paul da Serra plateau with Chão da Ribeira, the valley floor above Seixal on the north coast. From the ER 209 on the plateau, at about 1,430 m, a track crosses open ground and then the path drops down the Lombo Barbinhas, a steep ridge, to the trout farm at Chão da Ribeira, at about 480 m.
That is about 960 m of height in 6.5 km: about four hours on the way up, and hard on the knees going down. The ridge path is rough and steep, and the plateau at the top is often in fog. A guided loop of about 9.5 km from Chão da Ribeira climbs to the Seixal levada for its waterfalls and comes back down the Lombo Barbinhas in four to five hours, a good way to see both sides of the valley in one day.
Highlights
- A descent of about 960 m from the Paul da Serra plateau to Chão da Ribeira.
- An open plateau track at the top and a steep ridge path below.
- The trout farm at Chão da Ribeira at the bottom.
- A loop with the waterfalls of the Seixal levada, from Chão da Ribeira.
When to come
A clear, dry day; fog is frequent on Paul da Serra, and the steep ridge path is slippery when wet.
Getting there
Start at the ER 209 on Paul da Serra, where there is parking, or at Chão da Ribeira above Seixal; arrange transport between the two, or walk it as a loop from Chão da Ribeira.
Worth knowing
- Distance and time: about 6.5 km one way; about four hours up, less down.
- Climb: about 960 m.
- Difficulty: hard, for the steep, rough ridge path.
- Weather: carry warm and waterproof layers for the plateau.
- Footwear: boots with a good grip; walking poles help on the descent.
- Fee: none; this is not an official PR trail.
