Before setting out on the trail along the Ribeira de Poiares, take a moment to
admire, in the Municipal Garden of the so-called “University Capital
of Chanfana” (a regional culinary delicacy prepared-
in the famous black clay pots of Olho Marinho),
the legacy of the region’s arts and crafts, enshrined in the
Monument in Honor of the People of Poiares, referring to
various activities: the miller (flour production), the oil merchant
(olive oil trade), the toothpick maker (manufacture of toothpicks from
flower-shaped toothpicks, whose origin dates back to the Lorvão Monastery), the potter
(black clay pottery), the basket weaver (making baskets),
the sawyer (forestry work), the tinsmith (manufacturing of utensils made of
brass, zinc, copper, or stainless steel), and the weaver (manufacturing of textiles
primarily made from linen and burlap).
The route follows the Ribeira de Poiares stream, whose riparian
forest consists mainly of willows, ash trees,
alvarinho, alder, poplar, dogwood, and elderberry, which
enhance the surrounding wildlife diversity, with species
such as the badger, weasel, stone marten, wild boar, the tawny owl,
the blackbird, the robin, the newt, and the green frog.
At the end of the trail, at Louredo Natura Parque—which covers about
one hectare and is located next to the Mondego River, in the shade of the
poplars—you can rest after this invigorating hike and enjoy
facilities with good support infrastructure, such
as restrooms, a picnic area, drinking fountains, an
adventure center, and a barbecue area, among others. From the park, it is possible
to appreciate the characteristics of the Serra do Carvalho, particularly
its steep terrain.