Historical Way: new things to discover!
With the project to build a solar mega-park in Cercal do Alentejo and the consequent installation of very high voltage power lines (LMAT), Rota Vicentina was forced to re-evaluate the route of the first two stages of the Historical Way. These stages, which link Santiago do Cacém to Vale Seco and Vale Seco to Cercal do Alentejo, overlapped the area affected by the new infrastructures, requiring a change to guarantee the quality of the walkers’ experience.
Why this change?
Landscape and nature are two predominant factors in choosing the Rota Vicentina trails. The visual and environmental impact of the LMAT on the aforementioned stages was undeniable. A trail that follows an industrial infrastructure thus deviates from the principles of our offer.
How was the change made?
This change involved some behind-the-scenes work. We divided it into three phases:
1. Survey and route definition
This was the puzzle phase, putting together the existing pieces! A detailed study was conducted of the existing infrastructure, including the new HVPL, other hiking trails, cycling routes, roads, and existing high-voltage lines on the ground. This survey allowed for a clear understanding of the reconfiguration possibilities for the Historical Way, resulting in a preliminary proposal based on maps and site visits. It was presented to the Santiago do Cacém Municipality, other relevant entities and the local community.
2. Implementation of the route on the field
This was the manual work phase, but a bit heavier! With the route already defined, the second phase involved the physical implementation of the new path on the ground, with signposting. This phase involved painting markings, placing infrastructure such as posts with markings, arrows, warning signs and panels with the new information.
3. Updating physical and digital materials
At the same time, all the materials about the Rota Vicentina Walking Trails were being updated. This included physical maps, guidebooks, updated information on the Rota Vicentina website and GPS tracks. Walkers can plan their trip with all the up-to-date information.
The result: an improved experience!
With the new route, Rota Vicentina reaffirms its commitment to the scenic quality of the trail. The detour not only minimizes the visual interference of the HVPL, but also allows new trails to be explored!
The new walking season is about to begin!
If you’ve been longing to put on your boots and let yourself be guided by the trail markers: the new hiking season is just around the corner. There’s nothing like starting the new season exploring this new path.
So, what are you waiting for? Download the updated trails, consult the Guide Book (new e-book version here) and come and walk these two new stages of the Historical Way! In fact, there are many more options: from the coast to the interior, in the Alentejo and the Algarve, with short and long distances ‘à la carte’.
And if you have any suggestions, complaints or just want to say hello, we’re here to listen. Walking the Rota Vicentina is an adventure, and we guarantee it’s breathtaking (for the right reasons, of course!).
Irene Nunes was born in France, in 1986. She graduated in International Relations, but it was in Ecotourism and Environmental Education that she found her path. Various experiences in tourism, nature, and culture inspired her journey and brought her to the Southwest of Portugal. Since 2017, she has been responsible for the Walking Trails and […]
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