Barragem do Alvao hike and Amarante

A lovely hike in the Parque Natural do Alvao, starting from north of the dam. We hiked to over 1000 metres in the cloud with beautiful views that unfortunately we couldn't see but eventually the sun came through.

We walked through an old village that looks the same as it would have done 100 years ago. These look like burial chambers but they were or are for drying grain or similar.

Near Lamas de Olo we saw a herd of Maronesa cattle, local to the Alvao mountain region, and one of only two indigenous Portuguese breeds. The other is the Bravia goat.

Local lads out for a spin

Another poor stray back near the truck

Mondim de Basto

Amarante - another lovely historic town on the Rio Tamega.

A local Scout group selling keyrings

Go with courage, come back with
stories to tell!

A stop to check out the Welcome Douro campsite for later when we return with Tas. Its ideally situated to visit the Paiva Walkway and Arouca 516 suspension bridge. Very expensive but with a gorgeous view over the Douro.