Trilho do Morto que Matou o Vivo | Portal do Inferno & Three Villages, Portugal
JC Machado
99 views
A one-day, approximately 14 km circuit with about 700 m of accumulated ascent through Aldeia da Pena, Covas do Monte and Covas do Rio, in the mountains near São Pedro do Sul, Portugal.
We began in Aldeia da Pena and climbed to the road towards Portal do Inferno. From there, we descended the Trilho dos Pastores to Covas do Monte, stopped for lunch at Os Amigos de Covas do Monte, and continued on the PR4 Rota da Cabra e do Lobo through Covas do Rio. The last section, along the Caminho do Morto que Matou o Vivo, returned us to Aldeia da Pena with a steep final climb.
The restaurant is known for its oven-roasted cabrito, but that was not what we ate on this visit! The day was hot, especially after noon, making the last ascent more demanding than its distance suggests.
IMPORTANT ROUTE CHOICE
For the climb from Aldeia da Pena to the road towards Portal do Inferno, follow the line shown in this film and verify it against an up-to-date track. We found it clear and walkable. A different line that appears in many online route descriptions was heavily overgrown on our visit and would have required extensive bushwhacking. This is our observation of the conditions we encountered, not a guarantee that either path will remain in the same state.
The walk combines part of the official PR4 with the Trilho dos Pastores and our chosen ascent. It is not identical to the standard 12 km PR4 circuit. Use the actual line shown in the film and an up-to-date track for navigation.
LOCAL LEGEND
The name “Caminho do Morto que Matou o Vivo” comes from a story about a coffin being carried along the steep old path. According to the local legend, a carrier stumbled and the coffin fell onto him, killing him. The story gives the route its unsettling name, but should be understood as folklore.
PRACTICAL NOTES
• Approximately 14 km and 700 m of ascent on our route, including the Pastores descent.
• Carry ample water and sun protection in hot weather; our afternoon was particularly warm.
• The descent to Covas do Monte and the final climb to Aldeia da Pena deserve time and attention.
• Trail clearance can change. Check a current route trace and do not assume every online variant is passable.
ROUTE AND BACKGROUND
PR4 Rota da Cabra e do Lobo: https://montanhasmagicas.pt/trail_pat...
Aldeia da Pena and local legend: https://visitlafoes.pt/visitar/aldeia...
GPX and hike: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails...
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Trilho do Morto que Matou o Vivo | Portal do Inferno & Three Villages, Portugal
JC Machado
99 views
A one-day, approximately 14 km circuit with about 700 m of accumulated ascent through Aldeia da Pena, Covas do Monte and Covas do Rio, in the mountains near São Pedro do Sul, Portugal.
We began in Aldeia da Pena and climbed to the road towards Portal do Inferno. From there, we descended the Trilho dos Pastores to Covas do Monte, stopped for lunch at Os Amigos de Covas do Monte, and continued on the PR4 Rota da Cabra e do Lobo through Covas do Rio. The last section, along the Caminho do Morto que Matou o Vivo, returned us to Aldeia da Pena with a steep final climb.
The restaurant is known for its oven-roasted cabrito, but that was not what we ate on this visit! The day was hot, especially after noon, making the last ascent more demanding than its distance suggests.
IMPORTANT ROUTE CHOICE
For the climb from Aldeia da Pena to the road towards Portal do Inferno, follow the line shown in this film and verify it against an up-to-date track. We found it clear and walkable. A different line that appears in many online route descriptions was heavily overgrown on our visit and would have required extensive bushwhacking. This is our observation of the conditions we encountered, not a guarantee that either path will remain in the same state.
The walk combines part of the official PR4 with the Trilho dos Pastores and our chosen ascent. It is not identical to the standard 12 km PR4 circuit. Use the actual line shown in the film and an up-to-date track for navigation.
LOCAL LEGEND
The name “Caminho do Morto que Matou o Vivo” comes from a story about a coffin being carried along the steep old path. According to the local legend, a carrier stumbled and the coffin fell onto him, killing him. The story gives the route its unsettling name, but should be understood as folklore.
PRACTICAL NOTES
• Approximately 14 km and 700 m of ascent on our route, including the Pastores descent.
• Carry ample water and sun protection in hot weather; our afternoon was particularly warm.
• The descent to Covas do Monte and the final climb to Aldeia da Pena deserve time and attention.
• Trail clearance can change. Check a current route trace and do not assume every online variant is passable.
ROUTE AND BACKGROUND
PR4 Rota da Cabra e do Lobo: https://montanhasmagicas.pt/trail_pat...
Aldeia da Pena and local legend: https://visitlafoes.pt/visitar/aldeia...
GPX and hike: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails...