Torre / Serra da Estrela from Seia via Valezim

I set off just before Valezim, by the cemetery. From here, it’s about 23 kilometres. Don’t be fooled by the average gradient, because I feel this is a bit misleading – it’s not actually an easy climb. The first few kilometres from Valezim to the junction with the N338 are fairly manageable and fairly steady. It’s quite exposed, though, so if it’s hot, you’ll really start to feel the heat here. After the junction with the N338, you’ll face quite a few steep sections (11/12/14%). These are clearly signposted, but the fact that the gradient is listed as 2 km each time indicates that it’s not just a single little hill. The roads in Portugal are quite undulating, so steeper sections alternate with flatter ones. However, it becomes increasingly difficult to recover on the flatter sections in that oven-like heat, so the climb remains quite challenging right up to the sign indicating an altitude of 1700/1750 m. After that, the route undulates a bit, offering lovely views of the surrounding countryside and the enormous boulders, purple plants, reservoirs and so on to enjoy. The summit (Torre) comes into view about 5 km away. After a descent, the final 2.8 kilometres are a fairly steady, not too strenuous, uphill stretch. The highest point is the side road leading to Torre and the ski resort. This is actually the least attractive part of the climb, so it’s great that you’ve made it this far, but head downhill quickly to enjoy the more scenic sections.