This hike takes place in Arruda dos Vinhos and the surrounding mountains, in a rural setting with superb views from the Cego and Carvalha Forts, at almost 400 metres above sea level, from where we can see Lisbon, the Montejunto Mountains, the Lezírias, the Tagus River and the western coastline. We'll also pass through the town centre to admire the magnificent Pombaline Fountain.

At the end of this 13-kilometre route, we'll have our lunch meeting to keep up the tradition and celebrate 9 years of many activities. Another event not to be missed!

The origin of the name “Arruda dos Vinhos”:

Arruda, a historic town to which the first reference dates back to 1160, when King Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, granted it a charter. Archaeological remains and toponymic references suggest that this territory began to be settled a few centuries before Christ. However, controversy over the origin of the place name Arruda has prevailed throughout its existence.

The most consistent theory has to do with its geographical location, its territorial layout as a crossing point, combined with the fertility of the land. It has also been known since ancient times for growing vegetables and, above all, for producing wine. Wine is a hallmark not only of Arruda, but also of the Western region, which is closer to the capital. The wines from Torres Vedras, Dois Portos, would be transported to the Tagus (according to the authors in S. Iria da Azóia, since there are historical references to the «Lisbon wine called ansoye» (p.5). and then exported on merchant ships. Arruda was also a route for the Caminhos de Santiago, through the parish of Santiago, which was founded by crusaders in the 12th century.

Blind Fort

This fort is located to the right of the Matos gorge. It was also called the Fort of St Sebastian, but because it was located in Casal do Cego, where the famous Witch of Arruda lived, it was renamed the Cego Fort. Intended to house a military defence contingent, this fort had an elaborate drainage system consisting of a rainwater drain to prevent water from accumulating inside. In defence terms, the gunboats had a slabbed floor, the ground having been previously prepared by filling in stones with mortar. It also had a traverse built into the ground, which served as protection against enemy fire.

Arruda dos Vinhos Pombaline Fountain

Fountain from the Pombaline era (second half of the 18th century). This is a fountain with a backrest dating from 1789, consisting of a staircase leading up to the tank and a stone backrest with a curved top.

LUNCH PAYABLE AT THE RESTAURANT: 

Starters: Bread, cheese, pâté, olives and chorizo sausage
Dishes: Roast cod with potatoes and migas à Saloio, and Picanha à Saloio
Drinks: House wine, Sangria, Waters, soft drinks and Beer
Dessert and Coffee

Price: 25€ per person

Places are limited, so enrolments will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note: Free walk for regular customers of Caminhando

- Arruda dos Vinhos - Chafariz - Forte da Carvalha - Forte do Cego - Moinhos - Miradouro da Giesteira - Natural landscapes -