Trilho dos Currais — Gerês Loop

The Trilho dos Currais loop starts at the Parque de Campismo de Gerês campsite in Caldas do Gerês, reachable by the Arriva bus 350 from Braga which stops about 500 m from the trailhead, or by car for those driving into the park; no permit is required. The loop covers 8 km with 400 m of elevation gain and takes three to four hours, a moderate outing with a steady but non-technical climb. The path surface is dirt and rocky mountain track through mixed woodland for the lower half, opening onto exposed granite slopes with little shade near the currais (stone livestock enclosures) that give the trail its name. Landmarks along the way include these traditional stone corrals used historically by shepherds grazing cattle in the high pastures, along with viewpoints back over Caldas do Gerês and the Vez valley. Hikers looking for a shorter version can turn around at the first currais cluster roughly a third of the way up rather than completing the full loop. A stream near the lower woodland section provides a water source, though it should be treated before drinking, and the stone corrals offer only partial shelter rather than proper refuges, so hikers should plan to complete the loop within daylight hours.