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The Bicos Route starts at the Park Gateway in Mezio and ends at the same point. It is about 18 kms long and follows a track that leads us in the direction of Cabeço dos Bicos, one of the highest points in the Serra do Soajo. Along the route we will have the chance to see the summer cattle quarters (brandas), with their shelters (abrigos) and byres, and view from afar the superb Vale do Rio Ramiscal, where one of the best preserved natural woodlands of the National Park is situated (the Mata do Ramiscal).
This route can only be followed on foot. We recommend you allow 10 hours to follow the entire route and to appreciate the suggested points of interest (there are 24 described in all) related to natural, cultural, geological and scenic features of importance. The route is graded medium to high difficulty and is therefore recommended only for those who are physically fit and with hillwalking experience. Letter from the Route
Files for PDA
1 - Megalithic remains - Mezio (route start point)
2 - Scots Pine wood
3 - Birch wood
4 - Spring
5 - Waterside Birchwood
6 - Rio Grande; Ermida and Pedrada granite
7 - Gorse heath 2
8 - Peaty Area
9 - Berzavσ summer village (Branda)
10 - Periglacial Deposit
11 - Piorneda summer village (branda)
12 - Gorse-heath 3
13 - Arenitization
14 - Veins
15 - Pseudo-stratified granite
16 - Holly Copse
17 - Meadow with trumpet daffodils
18 - Bicos summer village (branda)
19 - Mushroom shaped rock
20 - Ramiscal Valley
21 - Bicos granite pavement (calηada)
22 - Lombadinha or Montelos summer village (branda) and Chγ do Cabrito wolf trap (fojo)
23 - Polygonal Fracturing; Rock hollows
24 - Brialho shelter (abrigo)
25 - Bostochγo summer village (branda)
26 - Spring
27 - End point of route