Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve

0.00km – Start facing the Fortress (from the land side) and TURN LEFT to walk along the road. If you are taking the ferry across the river, bear right and follow signs for ‘Ferry Boat/Barco’. Otherwise, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to pass through the No Entry sign after 30 metres.

0.10km – As you emerge into a square by the church, BEAR LEFT then BEAR RIGHT to walk along Rua Sarmento Beires, which is the town's main street. As the road forks after 150 metres, BEAR RIGHT to remain on Rua Sarmento Beires, and pass a No Entry sign. Remain on this road for 850 metres, ignoring all side paths.

1.10km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON at the roundabout. At a second roundabout after 400 metres, TURN RIGHT. You are following signs to Odemira at both junctions. This road will proceed to cross the bridge over the river, offering a beautiful view back to Vila Nova de Milfontes.

3.00km – Having crossed the bridge and as a short section of metal vehicle barrier finishes, TURN RIGHT to pass through a gate and into a field. This footpath will wind through trees and skirt along the edge of the field. There may be cattle in this field though they generally pose few issues; take care not to startle them and to pass around them with a wide berth.

3.40km – BEAR RIGHT to leave the field and follow the green and blue markings into the trees. Ignore the tractor tracks that continue ahead.

3.90km – As you enter a field with derelict and graffiti-covered buildings ahead, BEAR RIGHT to skirt along the edge of the field.

4.20km – As you reach a wide sandy road beside a derelict and graffiti-covered building, TURN RIGHT to follow the footpath through a gate and towards the river. There are green and blue markings to guide you.

4.30km – TURN LEFT as you reach the paved road. After 200 metres, just before a few parking spaces and outdoor gym equipment, TURN RIGHT onto the gravel road.

4.80km – At the roundabout beside a restaurant, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON along the gravel road, passing through a no entry sign.

5.40km – Beside the Beach Club hut, and as the gravel road finishes in a car park, TURN LEFT to head uphill on the paved road, following the sign to Almograve. After 300 metres, as the paved road bends left, TURN RIGHT onto the sandy road. As the road forks after 200 metres, BEAR RIGHT to pass into another field and head back towards the sea.

6.40km – BEAR LEFT as the path forks to continue skirting along the edge of the field and following the blue and green markings.

6.90km – TURN RIGHT at a crossroads, following the blue and green markings, to head away from the fields. As you reach the clifftops after 100 metres, BEAR LEFT to walk with the sea on your right.

7.10km – BEAR RIGHT as the sandy path forks, to continue walking parallel to the sea.

7.40km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON as the path crosses two wooden bridges. After 100 metres there are two vague crossroads 20 metres apart. TURN LEFT at the second crossroads, following the blue and green markings, and ignoring the minor path that appears to continue along the clifftops ahead.

9.70km – Having skirted beside fields, TURN RIGHT to head through a tunnel of trees, following the blue and green markings. After 100 metres, at a crossroads with the sea directly ahead, TURN LEFT following the blue and green markings. This path will continue through an overgrown section of trees and bushes where you may have to duck and squeeze through a few places.

10.20km – After emerging from the section of overgrown bushes, BEAR RIGHT to walk along the sandy path, still parallel to the coast.

10.90km – As you reach a junction beside the corner of a wire fence, and with a concrete wall and building on your right, TURN LEFT then TURN RIGHT to pass an ‘Unstable Cliffs signpost’ and immediately cross over a wooden bridge, following the green and blue sign for Almograve. Ignore the red and white sign for Almograve that directs you left along the sandy road.

12.40km – As the main path suddenly appears to wind steeply downhill towards a small beach, BEAR LEFT onto a minor track through overgrown bushes that passes above this small beach. This junction is easy to miss, but you will notice the path suddenly beginning to descend.

13.90km – Having headed slightly inland to pass around Praia da Foz dos Ouricos, the path will fork. BEAR RIGHT to follow the path that heads downhill towards the beach, even though this means passing through the green and blue cross, and ignoring the green and blue markings on the left. You are temporarily leaving the main Rota Vicentina trail.

14.10km – Once on the beach, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to cross over the steam and climb the winding sandy footpath on the far side. Having climbed uphill, BEAR RIGHT to continue hugging the edge of the coastline on your right. You have rejoined the Rota Vicentina trail and there are blue and green markings to follow again.

14.70km – Just before reaching the car park, BEAR RIGHT, and then after 20 metres, TURN LEFT to walk along the wooden boardwalk. After 200 metres, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to cross over the paved road and resume the wooden boardwalk on the far side. Ignore the green and blue cross, and continue along the wooden boardwalk parallel to the paved road on your left.

15.30km - Arrive in the centre of Almograve.