The Small Moorish Route begins and ends at the Parish Church of Soutelo Mourisco. The route continues towards Bouzende, passing by the community tank and the diving fountain before leaving Soutelo Mourisco. Halfway between the two villages, there is a 1.5 km detour that reduces the short route by about half its total distance. After passing Bouzende, in the heart of the Serra da Nogueira, this route reaches, via a small detour, an altitude of 1,100 m at the top of Pena Mourisca. (rocking stone), recalls the legend of Embanadouro Aí, which tells that when this stone was rocked by a man, it would produce such a sound that it could be heard in Ferreira, a village 10 km away, thus serving as a primitive Christian bell to call the faithful to prayer without arousing the persecution of the Moors. Returning to the junction, the route continues to Soutelo Mourisco with panoramic views over the region's agro-forestry mosaic, surrounding Pedra da Anta, another high point of the Serra da Nogueira. In the vicinity of this short route, Fraga do Berrão and Fragas Castelhanas also stand out. The entire route is part of the Montesinho/Nogueira Site of Community Importance (Natura 2000 Network), which stands out for its wide range of altitudes, geological and geomorphological diversity, and human activity developed over centuries. This site is home to the most extensive and well-preserved black oak forests in the country.

START POINT

Soutelo Mourisco (41º40`11.80”N I 6º 54`21.79”W)
41º 40' 11.80" N
6º 54' 21.79" W

TYPE

SHORT ROUTE

EXTENSION

8.7 KM

DURATION

3H

DIFFICULTY

EASY