AWW Stroll around the hills near Quinta do Tor Wednesday 14th April 2021

On a cloudy and cool morning our pod of 4 (plus doggie) met just off the main Salir Road beside Adega do Tor with ominous forecasts of rain later. 

Carefully observing the 2 meter separation guide were: 

Alan, Jan, Sue and Rafa.

We left the road and set off to the west on the winery side of the main road and started winding our way up the hill towards Vale Telheiro. Enjoying the conversation along the way maybe too much both staff photographers (Alan and myself)  were distracted and sadly no photo record remains of our 7 km up and downs until we finally crossed the main Salir Road again to climb the hills of Casa Assumada. 

We finally arrived at our pitstop outside Casa Rita:

Unfortunately our leader had left the gate's remote control back in his car 7 hilly km's away so a scramble over the wall was required to gain entry and open the small gate. But we did spend some few minutes chilling, enjoying some local bolas and cold drinks by the pool:

After this welcome break, we set off again winding our ways towards Malhada Velha:

Although it was a bit cloudy the countryside was alive with a range of beautiful colours and flowers :

We reached the highest point shortly after with a familiar trig point:

Winding our way down towards the finish the colours continued to impress:

We finally made our way down the hillside to our starting place off the main Salir Road and as customary repaired to the local cafe for a very welcome glass of wine:

Note the size of these glasses and what must be a record of 50cents each, are we lucky to live here of what!

Total distance was a creditable 14.25km with an altitude gain of 435m!

Many thanks to Sue, Jan and Alan for the great conversation and special thanks to Alan for the great photos.

Martin McKenna