The landscape is open and dry. Olive trees, holm oaks and cork oaks are scattered across gently rolling hills, between fields and low stone walls. There isn’t much shade, so the sun has free rein.
From Castelo Branco you walk out of the city and into the countryside. The ups and downs are friendly: no steep walls, just small slopes that add up over the course of the day. At around 26 kilometres and a good 7 hours of walking, this is mainly a long day rather than a steep one.
There is no known place to sleep in Soalheira itself. So arrange something in advance, or choose a place earlier or further along the route. That way you arrive with peace of mind.
Take it easy. The kilometres will come by themselves.