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PRC38SMI

Lomba d’El-Rei

São Miguel

Open

Acores9 currently marks this trail as open.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Circular
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
4.3 km
Duration
2 h
Elevation
10–180 m

The trail

Lomba d’El-Rei is a 4.3-kilometre circuit around Achadinha, linking the village centre with streams and farm tracks on the slope. Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church marks the start before the climb through Moio de Baixo, where crops and small parcels accompany the houses. The route begins in a settled environment but then descends into more enclosed, damp valleys.

After crossing Ribeira do Lenho, the path reaches a paved road and approaches Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Mill ruins and a bridge recall the importance of water to milling and local connections. Cedar woodland and shaded banks contrast with open views of the Nordeste cliffs. The route then gains height again through Lomba d’El-Rei, the ridge that gives the circuit its name.

On the return, a passage near the expressway requires care before Fonte Velha and the former wash tanks. Eira Velha and Rua Formosa lead back to the church, completing about two hours of medium walking. The circuit brings together everyday heritage—mills, fountains, wash places and threshing ground—without separating it from paths still used by the community. Its character comes from that continuity among water, farming and settlement.

Directions

Begin at Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church and follow the waymarks uphill through Moio de Baixo. Descend farm tracks to Ribeira do Lenho, cross at the indicated point and use the paved section towards Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Pass the mill ruins and bridge, then climb through vegetation to Lomba d’El-Rei. Cross the expressway area only on the marked access and continue via Fonte Velha, Eira Velha and Rua Formosa back to the church. Allow about two hours to complete the 4.3-kilometre circuit and keep a margin of daylight, including time for signed branches and stops.

Safety

Do not cross Ribeira do Lenho when flow is high; wet stones may conceal unstable footing. Use maximum care on the paved segment and passage near the expressway, remaining visible. Mill ruins and banks should not be explored away from the path. Rain makes earth climbs and descents particularly slippery. Carry a charged phone and, in an emergency, call 112 with PRC38SMI and the number of the last route post seen.

Official coordinates

Start
37.855345, -25.281245
End
37.855345, -25.281245
Elevation profile10–180 m
0 km4.4 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
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