Rail Trails

Portugal's Ecopistas.

When Portugal's narrow-gauge branch lines closed, the country did something sensible with them: it paved them. The result is the ecopistas — long, almost level paths that follow old railbeds through river valleys, over stone viaducts, and past station houses now serving lunch.

Because the gradient was engineered for trains, they are the gentlest routes in the country to walk or cycle, which makes them ideal for mixed-ability groups and for anyone who wants distance without climbing.

Bikes, transfers, and hotels along the route are arranged by us.