You leave Vilarinho behind and the first hour passes almost without effort. That’s exactly the trap, because this is a long day. The terrain is friendly: there’s no real climb anywhere, just a series of short ups and downs. They add up in your calves and the soles of your feet.
The highest point stays low, so it’s more about keeping going than about suffering. You’ll find your rhythm naturally. In Barcelos you’re greeted by the rooster, the symbol of the town. You’ll spot him everywhere. With more than 7 hours on the road, it’s better to plan your break in advance than to take it only when your legs start asking for it.