Braga to Ponte de Lima

[Corned Beef]

After a few false starts due to Covid, am finally booked to start in Porto in a week's time. Planning to route through Barcelos to Ponte de Lima and then onto Tui but in looking at the map, it seems a detour to Braga and then onto PdL may be an option.

Is there a signposted route from Braga and what is it called?

 

[Former member 31048]

Yes, I’m sure @jungleboy will reply. I’ve just been reading about the route on his website.

Caminho da Geira e dos Arrieiro​

Spirit of the Camino website

 

[mspath]

Also check this thread and resource.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/caminho-portugues-variant-from-porto-to-braga-and-ponte-de-lima.64827

 

[jungleboy]

Is there a signposted route from Braga and what is it called?

It's the Torres. It's a 33km stage from Braga to Ponte de Lima and it is signposted at least in the beginning (we actually followed the Torres arrows incorrectly for a few minutes after São Frutuoso while trying to pick up the Geira). Details in Spanish from the official site here.

 

[Former member 31048]

It's the Torres. It's a 33km stage from Braga to Ponte de Lima and it is signposted at least in the beginning (we actually followed the Torres arrows incorrectly for a few minutes after São Frutuoso while trying to pick up the Geira). Details in Spanish from the official site here.

Ah ok. Got it! Sorry for the incorrect info @Corned Beef

 

[Corned Beef]

Thanks to all. Next question - Porto - Barcelos - Braga on the CP or Porto - Guimarães - Braga on the Torres?

Seems Guimarães is a more interesting destination than Barcelos.

 

[jungleboy]

Ah ok. Got it! Sorry for the incorrect info @Corned Beef

No worries, it's confusing with all these different caminos! Hopefully my overview on the Portuguese caminos that's coming next week will offer some clarity.

Seems Guimarães is a more interesting destination than Barcelos.

I would agree with that, personally, but it might depend on how interested you are in Portuguese history. Guimarães is the place where Portugal was born (by virtue of a document asserting its independence being signed there) so it's a significant place for Portuguese people. It's also a lovely town with a great castle, a palace and a 13th-century church. On our camino this year we arrived in Guimarães by complete coincidence on Portuguese national day (June 10) with a lot of people celebrating so it was a wonderful time to be there.

 

[Corned Beef]

Thanks for the information. It's the Torres then as Guimarães does look interesting.

I've also followed up that reference to http://www.caminotorres.com/ which is an excellent resource. Don't want to miss anything.

 

[lt56ny]

It's the Torres. It's a 33km stage from Braga to Ponte de Lima and it is signposted at least in the beginning (we actually followed the Torres arrows incorrectly for a few minutes after São Frutuoso while trying to pick up the Geira). Details in Spanish from the official site here.

You guys are the go to experts on everything Camino in Portugal and far western Spain for sure! Thanks.

 

[James X]

Thanks

The Torres to the Central is definitely a good idea for anybody maybe doing a 2nd CP with the chance to take in the two historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.

I think I'll strongly consider this next time round.

 

[craiger1511]

IMHO Braga and Guimarães are magnificent. If time permits, I'd recommend at least a day to visit the historic center of Braga (and, Bom Jesus) and no less than one-half day for Guimarães. Of course, not every peregrino wants to divert themselves from the path for "touristical" pursuits but Iberia is a special place.

 

[James X]

IMHO Braga and Guimarães are magnificent. If time permits, I'd recommend at least a day to visit the historic center of Braga (and, Bom Jesus) and no less than one-half day for Guimarães. Of course, not every peregrino wants to divert themselves from the path for "touristical" pursuits but Iberia is a special place.

I'm sold on the two towns but I will not be making a diversion as such....

If I do it I will walk part of the Torres Camino which passes through these towns and then converges with the Central in Ponte de Lima anyway