Branda da Aveleira Trail is located on the Branda from which it takes its name, on a mountain plateau at the northern end of the Serra da Peneda. The trail starts next to the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia. This was a temporary summer grazing area, due to the transhumance, that is, it was here that the "brandeiros" went up every year with their cattle during the summer. During this stay, they built small shelters called "cardenhas", where they stayed overnight. The trail continues along a path flanked by loose stone walls, commonly known as "canejas", which mark the boundaries of private properties. An Alvarinho vineyard has been planted on one of these fields by Soalheiro, "Melgaço's first brand of Alvarinho", in an innovative bid to produce wine at an altitude of over 1,100 metres. The path leads to a forest adorned with pine trees. Nearby is the "mamoa do Batateiro", a megalithic monument with significant structural remains. As you make your way through the extensive mountain landscape, you come across a pond where numerous animals of native breeds, such as "garranos" and "cachenas", use to quench their thirst. Little by little, you descend along a path which leads you to the starting point of the trail.

	Type of trail	Circular
	Type of route	Short route
	Difficulty	Moderate
	Duration	1h15min
	Distance	6,13 km
	Technical information	View

Safety Standards

- Do not leave the marked and signposted route.

- Pay attention to the markings.

- Avoid making noise and noises.

- Respect private property (close gates and gates).

- Don't leave rubbish behind (take it to the respective place of collection).

- Be careful with livestock (don't disturb the animals).

- Leave nature intact (do not gather plants, animals or rocks).

- Only light fires in areas designated for this purpose.

- Avoid walking alone in the mountains.

- Use extreme caution on foggy days.

- Use mountain boots, waterproof coat and hat.

- During the critical period of forest fires, on days of very high or maximum risk levels, access to the trails may be forbidden.

Contacts

SOS	112
Forest Protection	117
GNR (Melgaço)	+351 251 404 960
Volunteer Firefighters (Melgaço)	+351 251 402 599
Health Centre (Melgaço)	+351 251 400 330
Melgaço Municipal Council	+351 251 410 100