This route winds largely along the slopes of the Serra da Lousã and connects Lousã Castle and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade with two of the most iconic Schist Villages in this mountain range: Talasnal and Casal Novo. This itinerary is a journey back in time, as we retrace the steps of the former inhabitants of these mountain villages along the only paths they had to descend to the town of Lousã. Leaving the Castle, in the recommended direction, we follow the access path to the Ermida Hydroelectric Plant, a piece of industrial archaeology built in 1927 to provide electricity to the town and power for the Paper Mill. From this point on, we follow a narrow, steep trail that winds up the hillside toward the Schist Villages. The route, relatively sheltered in all seasons, is almost always framed by dense vegetation, offering magnificent views to those who walk it. Shortly before reaching Talasnal, we come to the alternate route (PR2.1) that takes us back to the Chapel and the river beach, now in the immediate vicinity of the Castle. It is a good option if you find the route physically demanding