Day 64 – to between Marvão and Castelo de Vide

Before what was a three and a half hour drive it was tremendous to spend some time on the beach, and on Sunday morning, it was a deserted one. I shared the sandy path that led to it with walkers starting their next daily section of the Rota Vicentina, those few (they told me), who prefer to walk with the sun at their backs, the great majority prefer it the other way. A kilometre or so in steep steps descend to Nossa Senhora beach.

Despite enjoying the beaches, I’m pleased to get away. It’s not at all easy to find an overnight park, and even when one is found, there is a feeling that you’re not really welcome.

For the next section of my journey, I have a route up the three National Parks in the mountains that border Spain, starting with the Serra de San Memede, aiming for the area around the walled mountain town of Marvão.

Determined also to watch the afternoon’s rugby, I pulled over at a picnic parking spot off the road at 4:30 pm.