The trail crosses through the Terras da Ordem National Forest, accompanying sections of the Odeleite and Foupana rivers and allowing you to visit villages such as Odeleite, Pernadas and Tenência.
The Ranger’s house, which includes several forest management facilities and a nearby watchtower, marks the beginning of the trail. The Terras da Ordem were owned by religious orders until the middle of the 19th century. They display the native forests of holm oak, olive and carob trees.
The groves of stone pine and Aleppo pine (a rustic pine tree from the Mediterranean basin) were planted only from the 1970s onwards. The sowing of new trees and placement of water dispensers in this area is intended to help wildlife thrive.
The trail follows the final stretch of the Foupana, until it meets the Odeleite. The margins show dense reed beds and, more rarely, native vegetation with ash, tamarisk, and oleander trees; old olive groves grow in the wetlands, and native species of scrubland on the slopes - olive trees, holm oaks and carob trees.
The Moinho das Pernadas, a recently restored windmill, was an important nexus for cereals produced in the region of Odeleite, and vestiges of its silos are still visible. This whole riverside area has high ecological interest, from the riparian vegetation to birds such as the grey heron, the mallard, the water hen or the common kingfisher, among others. Reptiles and amphibians such as the ladder-snake, the Spanish psammodromus, the natterjack toad or the fire salamander have also been recorded.
Near the ruins of Guarda-Pereiros, the view extends over the village and river of Odeleite. The river meanders and its banks display all the shades of green, between the vegetation of the riverside curtain and the orchards and vegetable gardens of the wetlands.
Back to the heart of the woods, you’ll follow along the Barranco do Cavalo, surrounded by ash trees and oleander. There’s an immense diversity of mammals: wild rabbits, foxes, gypsies and wild boars are common. You can spot or listen to birds such as the partridge, the turtledove, or typical passerines such as the Dartford warbler, the crested tit, the blue tit or the azure-winged magpie.
Municipality: Castro Marim
Location: Terras da Ordem National Forest
Type: walking and cycling
Circular trail: yes
Distance: 12 km
Average duration: 4h
Cumulative elevation gain: 380 metres D+
Type of path: dirt paths and asphalt roads
Start of the trail: 37º 21' 19.81'' N 7º 30' 22.92'' W