Apple trees on the way down to Ucanha

This stage is divided into different sections, which motivate different sensations in the pilgrims. Get ready for a long journey, constantly going up and down, the first of three very demanding stages.

As far as the boundaries of the Moimenta da Beira municipality, it's all the way up, so it is advisable to stop at the village of Sarzedo. It is followed by an isolated and harsh, sometimes wild, section between pine forests and leafy bushes that threaten to cut the way. Kilometres of isolation until Granja Nova, but, from this point on, everything changes. 

The descent to Ucanha is breathtaking, along an old road with high stone walls and extensive apple tree plantations. In the village, the Varosa River is crossed through a medieval bridge with a toll tower, a symbol of the levying of taxes on goods entering the territory of the neighbouring Salzedas monastery. It is one of the most remarkable monuments of the Torres Way and it will certainly leave a good memory.

The last part is difficult. After the Ferreirim monastery, the climb to Mós and the National Road 226 is tough and there are still several kilometres to go until Lamego, through Britiande and Santiago de Cepões. Descending to the quarter of the bridge and crossing the Balsemão River, there is only one last climb up to the Lamego cathedral.