Passadiços do Mondego

The Passadiços do Mondego opened in 2020 and run about twelve kilometres along the upper Mondego from near Guarda to Videmonte, on the northern edge of the Serra da Estrela - wooden walkway, steps and metal decking following the river through a granite valley of boulders, oak and broom, with two suspension bridges crossing it, one of them over two hundred metres long and high enough to be the part people remember. The river here is small and fast, a long way from the broad Mondego at Coimbra. There are beaches and pools along it used for swimming in summer, and the route passes old mills. It is walked one way with a shuttle back, or as an out-and-back from either end. It is free, which is unusual for this kind of installation in Portugal, and much less crowded than the Paiva walkways further north.

What you actually see

• The walkway - twelve kilometres of boardwalk, steps and decking along the river.
• The suspension bridges - two crossings, the longer over two hundred metres.
• The granite valley - boulders, oak and broom on the Estrela's northern edge.
• The river pools - swimming spots and old mills along the route.

When to go

April to October. Four to six hours one way. Arrange the shuttle in advance or park a second car at the far end.

Honest expectations

Twelve kilometres with many steps - it is a proper walk, not a stroll. Little shade in places and Beira summer heat is severe. The suspension bridges move and unsettle some walkers. Shuttle timings need checking before setting out.

Nearby

Guarda and its cathedral are north; the Serra da Estrela rises south.