PR8 PTG Percurso de Vale Lourenço

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This path runs along two distinct valleys. First, we climb up by the valley of Barranco da Caleira and then, we descend through the valley of Arronches stream. Along both pathways there are numerous small farms dedicated to subsistence agriculture, which for centuries has been modeling the slopes of the mountain, with terraces that allowed the cultivation on these steep slopes and at the same time also maintaining an important pastoral activity. However, some of these small farms and lands are already abandoned, leading to the recent pine and eucalyptus plantations. But in the valley of Arronches stream we still find some agricultural activity, mainly linked to cereal cultivation, small groves of chestnut trees (soutos), some traditional olive groves and pastures with goats or sheep. The path also passes along the east ridge of Arronches stream, where the view, despite the altitude, is blocked by nearby mountains, both Portuguese and Spanish. Here and there the landscape is interrupted by quartzite outcroppings. The summit of São Mamede hills is within easy reach. We go down the valley until we have the chance to cross it in a leafy riverside gallery area. We keep walking passing more farms and then we return to the starting point of this path. NATURE: among the natural aspects of this path worth mentioning are, in the highest part, the various outcroppings of quartzite that erupt on the landscape and, on the valley floor, the upper section of Arronches stream, with an interesting riparian gallery. HANDICRAFT: rag dolls; tapestries (Portalegre stitch), basketry and adufe from Portalegre. GASTRONOMY: grain baked with pods - Alentejo's way; cod albardado; cachola; rabbit in wine and garlic; fried hare. Sweets (blancmange, toucinho-do-céu, almond lamprey, candy eggs). Cherry from São Julião (Protected Designation of Origin).