The vineyard terraces along the Douro are still in morning shadow as you leave Mesão Frio behind. Soon afterwards, the route turns into the mountains. A steep climb of almost 400 metres sets the tone straight away: short, hard and without any detours. At the top you can look back over the valley, if it’s clear, that is.
After that it’s mostly downhill, and you’ll feel it in your knees and toes. Today you descend more than you climb. Amarante welcomes you on the banks of the Tâmega. You walk into the town over the old stone bridge, with the church of São Gonçalo right by the water. Allow just over 9 hours of walking, not counting breaks.