Ponte de Lima and Arcos de Valdevez Circular Ride
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Ponte de LimaPhoto: Laura Paterson, Macs Adventure
A beautiful circular ride through countryside via Arcos de Valdevez.
Using the Lima and Vez rivers as your guide, follow the ecotrail upstream through gorgeous countryside to Arcos de Valdevez, another pretty riverside town with an impressive bridge and delicious local cakes called charutos. The return journey to Ponte de Lima follows the opposite banks of the Vez and Lima Rivers, passing through more rural scenery and the village of Ponte da Barca, allegedly the birthplace of the navigator Ferdinand Magellan. When you get back to Ponte de Lima, we will have a chilled vinho verde (regional wine) and Portuguese tapas waiting for you at a typical tasca.
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Show elevation profileSafety information
Check for any damage to the frame, components or wheels. Ensure there are no loose cables and that the tyres are inflated and the brakes are working. Always wear a helmet when cycling.
If you are doubtful of the condition of your hire bike please call the office or the local bike hire on the number provided in your information pack.
Always be prepared to cycle through a change of weather conditions and do check for any local weather warnings before cycling.
Do remember to ride on the right-hand side of the road and whilst drivers in Portugal are respectful of the 'velo', please do be mindful of other road users at all times, obeying local road signs. The road does narrow in parts so please take on bends and when descending, do so with caution.
Always make sure to stay hydrated and carry plenty of water. It is also advised to wear skin-protecting clothing and use sun cream/screen. We recommend you inquire about the day’s forecasted weather before setting out on your walks. A useful website for climate information specific to towns and countries is www.weather2travel.com or www.yr.no
Tips and hints
Points of interest:
- Doçaria Central in Arcos de Valdevez - the go-to place to sample the local Charutos dos Arcos pastry. Cylindrical in shape (similar to a cigar), the outer casing is made of wafer or wafer dough, with a creamy filling.
- Quinta do Ameal - on today's ride you may want to stop at this local producer of vinho verde, but you must make a reservation in advance.
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Equipment
Besides cycling in the kit you are used too, we'd also suggest taking the essentials of water bottle(s), nutrition, an extra layer, cash/credit cards and mobile together with emergency telephone numbers.
Always wear a helmet and pack a spare tube, puncture repair kit, tyre levers and handpump. You may also like to take a multi-tool.
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