The Fishermen’s Trail, Southwest Portugal - Day 9 - Vila do Bispo to Cabo de San Vincente

The Fishermen’s Trail, Southwest Portugal - Day 9 - Vila do Bispo to Cabo de San Vincente

This was the last day of our walk. The walk has more recently been extended for another 3 days to Lagos. It is sometimes very windy along the coastal section, and an alternative inland path can be taken. We always have mixed feelings on the last day of a walk, very pleased with our achievement, but sad it is finishing. But there are always new trips to plan. This stage is 14km and initially follows the red and white signs of the Historic way, before splitting after nearly 2 hours, following the green and blue signs along the coast.

The official breakfast time was 8.30am, but the room was crowded with walkers when we arrived at 8.10am, all keen to get on their way. In view of no supply points along the way, the previous night in the hotel we had booked packed lunches €7 for an apple, sandwich, juice, croissant. Alternatively, there is a large brand-new Lidl just out of town.

We left at 9am, following red and white signs through the centre of Vila do Bispo, near the restaurant Eira do Mel, continuing along a quiet country road, heading west. There are various routes, including circular walks all marked in red and white.

We reached the disused graffiti-covered forestry station (Casa do Guardo 9.35am 2km). Unfortunately, at this point we went the wrong way, following red and white signs going past a barrier, then along a pretty track downhill through the trees. By the time we realised and returned to the building, it had taken about an hour. (10.30am). Rounding the corner from the forestry station for another 100m , was a 12km Cabo de Sao Vicente sign. If only it had been on the path junction, life would have been easier. However, it had been a beautiful walk!!! We continued along a track across open land, with a weather station on right, and the lighthouse at Cabo coming into view. There is a large obelisk to our right marking the highest elevation of our walk at 154m. We decided not to visit it, being too far on this occasion. There are some monoliths on the left, again we left them for another day (11am). The route splits at a junction, with the first green and blue signs of today. This should have been 1.5 hours from leaving, but in our case, it was now 2.5 hours (11.35am). We went right along the coastal route, with views of the sea on the right. Just before the car park at Praia do Telheiro a new short ladder has been installed, to go down the one-metre drop. (12.35pm).

We stopped to eat our packed lunch overlooking another lovely beach (1.30pm). We continued, following pretty cliffs, and walking along a tricky limestone pavement. The path follows small cairns, and some green and blue paint on the rocks. The path again merges with red and white signs. We turned right for a couple of 100m along the road (1.45pm), before reaching Cabo de Vincente at 1.50pm, the end of our walk!!! Cabo de Sao Vincente is the southwestern extremity of mainland Europe and a great

spot to observe the autumn bird migrations. The cliffs here are tremendous, stretching both north and south west. It is amazing to think 550 years ago explorers set sail across the Atlantic Ocean to an unknown destination, not knowing if they would ever return. The cape took its name from the martyred Spanish deacon St Vincent, whose body was washed up here, and became an important site of medieval pilgrimage. He is now buried in Lisbon.

There are stalls selling food, ice creams, souvenirs. Through a gate is the actual old fort, bar, shop and toilets (0.70cents, no card). A certificate of the walk can be purchased from the shop as a memento. The walk could continue here for another 6km to Sagres-the nearest accommodation, before continuing for another couple of days to Lagos. There is a bus service from Cabo to Sagres and Lagos. We had pre-booked taxis arriving at 2.30pm to take us to our destination of Lagos for the next few days. After being lost for an hour, we kept a careful watch to ensure that we arrived in time. This is an area of particularly strong winds, pay attention if near the cliffs, or take the inland route. We enjoyed our walk immensely, with stunning views, cliffs and beaches. The highlight for us was the beach walking, and a complete sense of freedom. Just keep heading south!!

Distance 10.6 Miles (17km)

Duration of Walk 4.5 Hours

Average Pace 27 Min/Mile

Steps 29464

Elevation Gained 602 feet (183m)

Websites used

[ian]

A great set of vlogs and very inspiring. I’ve booked a flight to Lisbon for March and once I work out how many days I want to spend there, I’ll book up accommodation for the trail. There’s a RV app with the maps available offline that a friend found. Seems quite useful.

[reluctantfellrunner]

Bit different than wet and windy north Lancashire! Best wishes.

[SCOJO]

Not walking but biking. Was thinking of biking from Richmond back to possibly Henley on Thames (mountain bike). I know you have walked this do you know if bikes are allowed all this way. Thanks.