Your legs know it after just a few kilometres: today you’ll have to work. The start is still friendly, but then the road heads uphill and doesn’t let go. Your mind goes quiet. One step at a time, nothing more.
The climb is steep: more than 400 metres up within 5 kilometres. At the top you can feel the altitude, as it is often cooler up there than down below. Then comes the descent to Fundão, which puts a lot of strain on your knees. You arrive in a proper town, where you can eat in peace. At more than 6 hours of walking, it’s wise to set off in good time. That way you arrive in daylight and without rushing.