Alto de Quintela

The highest place of the Torres Way is a real frontier. Until you get there, it's uphill all the way. Then it's downhill all the way. The climb marks the end of the steep and rugged Douro slopes and the entrance to the more comfortable and greener horizons leading to Minho.

Leaving Mesão Frio through Rua da Carreira, the main historical access to the village, the way to Várzea is pleasant, along tracks overlooking the Teixeira River. But, from this point, on everything changes. In Teixeira, take the opportunity to prepare the climb to Hospital, Ordem and Padrões. Chã das Arcas is just a short distance away, but you still have to cross EN 101 carefully, in an area where there is no zebra crossing. Once at the top, among the wind turbines and archaeological remains, enjoy the view, the air, the wonderful adventure of reaching the top and contemplating the horizon.

The descent is long, along the old road whose opening was commissioned by the Marquis of Pombal and celebrated by Aquilino Ribeiro, in A Casa Grande de Romarigães. It's many kilometres downhill to Ovelhinha, a well-preserved village. The final section is peri-urban and, after the river beach of Larim, it is almost 3 Kms along a national road (EN 15). 

When arriving at the historic centre of Amarante, it seems as if you passed Alto de Quintela a long time ago. Head for the bridge over the Tâmega River. The monastery on the other side evokes the most important Portuguese saint of the pilgrimage ways: St. Gundisalvus of Amarante.