This proposed walk starts at Fontes, in Leiria, and will take us to see the sources of the River Lis and the surrounding area, as well as part of the Serra da Maunça and the imposing views reached from its highest point. Another event not to be missed from Caminhando!

The springs of Lis and Serra da Maunça

We set off from the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, in the town of Fontes (Leiria). It is near the village of Fontes that the River Lis rises. The river rises in a limestone area, passes through Cortes and intersects the city of Leiria, almost all of its banks occupied by gardens and footpaths.

In its middle section, after the river passes through the urban centre, alluvial plains form, which have been given the name Campos do Lis. These are characterised by the various canals and weirs used to irrigate the agricultural land, which gives rise to cornfields, extensive horticultural areas and the most varied orchards that we came across on the road on our way to Fontes. The River Lis was once a much larger river, and in the Middle Ages it was one of the most important means of development for the region. The bridge, rebuilt in 1954, is now a landmark of the village. It is located in the centre of the village, near the chapel, and is the only passage to the other bank.

The river rises 0.5 kilometres from the place of Fontes. It is located at an altitude of 400 metres, at the end of the Estremadura Limestone Massif (which is the second largest underground reservoir in the country). There are several springs on the site, where in winter the water from the Serra d'Aire comes to the surface. The spring has enormous seasonal variation, so that on rainy days we can see the water gushing violently into what is traditionally called Nascente, while in summer the river only rises in the village, 0.5 kilometres downstream. The area has a rich flora characteristic of the Estremadura limestone massif, which is why the place was once called Mata Real (Royal Forest).

Our route will be 14 kilometres, circular, starting at the springs of the River Lis, from where we begin the ascent to the Serra da Maunça. From here we have a great view over the parish of Cortes, and in the background we can see the city of Leiria. On clear days you can even see the sea. It is at the foot of the hill that the River Lis is born. We'll then make our way back to Fontes, through patches of arbutus and oak trees.

- Springs of the River Lis - Campos do Lis - Serra da Maunça - Mata Real - Oak and strawberry forests - Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes - Natural landscapes -