Paiva Walkways

The Paiva walkways run for about eight kilometres along the left bank of the river Paiva between Areinho and Espiunca, a wooden path bolted to slopes that would otherwise be impassable. The river below is fast, clear and full of rapids that kayakers use in spring, and the banks are schist and quartzite, with old mining scars, mimosa and pine. It is not flat. Long staircases climb and drop several times, and most people walk it downhill from Areinho to save their legs. The 516 Arouca suspension bridge crosses the gorge on a separate ticket a short way from the Alvarenga entrance, a five-hundred-metre span with a metal grid floor you can see straight through.

The landscape

• The gorge walkway - timber decking clinging to steep schist slopes above rapids.
• The staircases - long flights that make this a workout rather than a stroll.
• The river beaches - shingle bays where the Paiva slows enough for a swim.
• The 516 Arouca bridge - a suspension footbridge on a see-through grid deck.

When to go

Spring and early autumn work best: the river runs strong, the temperature is bearable and slots are easier to get. Summer afternoons on the exposed timber are hot and shadeless. Tickets are timed and sell out at weekends and on holidays, so book days ahead. Walking from Areinho down to Espiunca means fewer climbs and an easier finish.

What to expect

The staircases are relentless, and the route is unsuitable for anyone with mobility problems, strollers or wheelchairs. It runs one way, so you need a shuttle, a taxi or a second car at the far end. The decking bakes in summer and gets slippery in rain. Sections have been rebuilt after storm damage, and closures happen at short notice.

Nearby

Arouca monastery, the Frecha da Mizarela waterfall and the Freita hills.