On this walk we'll follow various rural paths and trails along the Serra de Olelas, often with the beautiful Serra de Sintra on our horizon, with its Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. We'll cross the Western railway line, pass through farmland and some ruins of abandoned houses, memories of other times and other lives. Near Casal do Urmal, we'll start our return journey, on a circular walk, passing Casal dos Gormos, returning to the starting point, having yet to overcome some appetising limestone "slopes" in the Serra de Olelas....

But one of the biggest attractions on this route will undoubtedly be the famous caves, especially the largest of them, known as Cova da Raposa, just a few hundred metres from the village of Olelas.

Historical note: In the mid-18th century, the British Royal Navy was sailing along the coast of Ericeira when it was surprised by a storm. Feeling lost, they evoked their faith in Our Lady of Mercy, the patron saint of their fleet. They made a promise to build a chapel on the highest point in exchange for their salvation. The Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy, now the Sanctuary, was born in 1758 on Mount Marçabel.