This walk starts at the Interpretation Centre of the Battle of Vimeiro. From there, we'll follow various rural paths for around 17 kilometres, where the achievements of the Luso-British troops against the French invasions took place in the past. We will pass through several villages in four parishes, two in the municipality of Lourinhã (Vimeiro and Santa Bárbara) and two in the municipality of Torres Vedras (Maceira and Á-dos-Cunhados) where important roles were played in the fighting that took place between the British army, assisted by some Portuguese military units, commanded by Wellesley, and the French army under the command of Junot, Napoleon's representative and holder of military and political power in Portugal at the time. Another event not to be missed!

The Battle of Vimeiro

The Battle of Vimeiro was fought on 21 August 1808 between the French Army, commanded by Junot, and the Anglo-Portuguese Army, under the command of Sir Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington.

After the fighting in Roliça on 17 August, Sir Arthur marched to the Vimeiro area to land reinforcements on Porto Novo beach.

The Anglo-Portuguese troops maintained a defensive position at Vimeiro, taking advantage of the terrain's geography. The French, gathered in Torres Vedras, decided to go on the offensive, arriving in Carrasqueira on the morning of 21 August. From that point, Junot gave the order to march into battle.

Unaware of the situation on their left flank, two French brigades confronted the British on the high ground of Ventosa. Once again, the French were forced to retreat.

The Battle of Vimeiro was an undeniable victory for the Anglo-Portuguese army over the forces of Imperial France, bringing the First French Invasion to an end. Junot lost around 2,000 men, including dead, wounded and prisoners, while the Anglo-Portuguese army lost around 700.

This battle was decisive as it put an end to the First French Invasion of Portugal.

- Vimeiro - Monument to the Battle of Vimeiro (inaugurated by King Manuel II) - Fonte Lima Natural Park - Toledo Stream - Alcabrichel River - Ventosa - Talefe Geodesic Landmark - Natural landscapes -