March 2026
Event details
Event Description
This walk will introduce us to the region where the Battle of Roliça took place, the scene of a confrontation during the French Invasions. On our route we'll pass the viewpoint and swing of Serra do Picoto, with unobstructed views of the surrounding area, the Columbeira Caves and Castro and the Monument in Honour of Colonel Lake. With its intense rurality, especially the orchards, you're sure to enjoy the fantastic trails and some challenging climbs. Another event not to be missed!
Battle of Roliça
On 17 August 1808, the Battle of Roliça took place to the south of the then municipality of Óbidos (now Bombarral), the first of many battles in the so-called Peninsular War. The conflict would last until 1814 with many lives and property lost, forever marking the region as well as the future of Portugal and Europe. The Battle of Roliça and Vimeiro were the first serious military clashes on the Iberian Peninsula between British and French forces. The former won both battles and put an end to the first French invasion. The battlefield was located in the parish of Roliça and the 1st position of the French army occupied a small plateau next to the village. Roliça meant, not only for Wellesley but for all the British soldiers, confirmation that, despite Napoleon's reputation, it was possible to beat the French.
No Picoto Viewpoint We can contemplate the surrounding area and gain strength for the return to the starting point, between rural paths and an agricultural landscape geometrically crafted by man.
Columbeira Caves
A Columbeira New Cave was discovered in 1961. It is located on the northern slope of the Roto Valley about 20 metres above the valley floor. It extends over a length of 20 metres, with a width of around 4 to 5 metres and a maximum height of 10 metres. The remains collected can be traced back to the middle and upper Palaeolithic periods, with Mousterian industry associated with Neanderthal remains.
Situated on the same slope of the valley, albeit at a higher elevation, is the Lapa do Suão Cave, This is another of Bombarral's archaeological sites with proven human occupation over thousands of years. As well as traces of the Upper Palaeolithic, evidence of more recent Neolithic occupation has been collected, such as small figurines of rabbits. This cave was also the site of a secondary deposit of human bones, with evidence of carbonisation of bone material coinciding with the recent prehistoric period. Artefacts compatible with the Copper Age were also collected here, namely a ceramic bowl decorated with a floral motif.
Columbeira Hillfort
The hill on which the fort is located, called “Serra do Castelo”, overlooks the village of Columbeira. It is an important Copper Age settlement dating back around 4,000 years. It has two belts of walls reinforced with towers. The central fortification, quadrangular in shape, has circular towers, semicircular bastions and an entrance facing south-east. The materials found, which allow this settlement to be integrated into the early Copper Age, include ceramic vases, some decorated, arrowheads and flint blades, polished stone axes, bone utensils and loom weights. Its inhabitants carried out agricultural and pastoral activities.
Some of the points of interest on the walk
- Roliça - Viewpoint and Swing - Serra do Picoto - Columbeira Caves (Gruta Nova and Lapa do Suão) - Columbeira Hillfort - Vale Roto - Zambujeira Stream - French positions at the Battle of Roliça - Natural landscapes -
Location
Meeting Point
2540-659 Roliça (Bombarral)
(Largo da Igreja da Roliça)
Latitude: 39°18’49.81″N
Longitude: 9°10’58.05″W
Meeting time: 9.20am
Departure time: 9.30am
Estimated end time: 2pm
Route Features and Equipment
Equipment
Footwear and clothing suitable for hiking