Hiking for Intrepid Travelers

Oct 132014

On Foot Holidays, specialist in self-guided walking and hiking tours through the hidden scenic byways of Europe, has designed a seven-night walking tour of an unexplored area of Portugal – the extreme north of the country in Peneda-Geres National Park, abutting Spain. Far from the popular notion that Portugal is a destination for sun and sand, this tour of Portugal’s hill country offers its own beauty, grit and warmth – in its wild hills and the hospitality of its inhabitants.

Paul Burton, resident guide and author (Landscapes of Northern Portugal) describes the appeal as a remote and rugged hillscape reaching almost 5,000 feet, defined by wooded valleys and remote, time-warp villages. He says, “The National Park is criss-crossed by paved granite trails that link villages to their upland summer pastures where temporary summer settlements bear testimony to the harsh conditions endured by the local farmers and shepherds.”

This tour is medium to hard with 31/2 to 7 hours of walking a day (but with shorter/easier routes available). Rates start at $995 and include seven B&B’s, 1 evening meal, 6 picnics and luggage transfers between hotels. Contact: www.onfootholidays.co.uk