The Fajão Schist Trail begins and ends at
Largo da Igreja de Fajão. Starting in a counterclockwise direction, we follow the
main street and leave the village, descending toward the Ceira Valley along
narrow paths lined with pine trees. We then enter the old cobblestone road, turning left shortly
afterward to follow a ledge along the steep slope overlooking the valley, which
offers a stunning panoramic view of the Ceira River. The second third
of this route is marked by an ascent that winds up this escarpment along a
narrow path between large blocks of quartzite. Halfway up the climb, we come across the
Church or Chapel of the Moors, which is essentially a cave carved into the escarpment, a
short detour from the trail, and whose name—given by the local population—reminds us
of the Moors’ passage through these lands. This steeper section of the climb
ends at Alto do Carvalhinho, where we rejoin the PR
1.1 variant. Ahead, the climb continues more gradually along a trail
leading to the Penedos de Penalva (the highest point of the route), from where you
can enjoy a beautiful view of the Serra do Açor and the village of Fajão, which perches
on the hillside. The route continues with another descent, ending at Largo da Igreja,
after passing through the village’s narrow streets.

PR 1.1 PSR VARIANT _ This alternative route branches off from the main route,
shortly after leaving the village, and rejoins it at Alto do Carvalhinho via a
more direct route, avoiding the steepest inclines. It follows a narrow path that
gradually climbs near the terraces of the old vineyards that once
covered these slopes.