The climb defines today. You leave Ponte de Lima with your legs still fresh, and then the road heads uphill. It’s well over 300 metres of climbing in one go. On the steepest stretch you’ll walk slowly, and that’s perfectly fine.
At the top you reach the highest point of the day. Then you descend to Rubiães, a small village where it’s quiet. Here you walk the same road and pass the same albergues as the pilgrims on the Caminho Português Central, so you’re not alone. You’re on the road for well over five hours. Save your long break for after the climb, and you’ll have earned it.