The ambassadors of the GRZ- Grande Rota do Zêzere meet again 3 years after having crossed the route in a multi-disciplined relay (canoe, foot and bike) at the inauguration in 2015.
It is on 1 December that athletes such as climber João Garcia or Olympic canoeist Emanuel Silva perform a winter version of the GRZ, opening the white-water season on the Zêzere River
Beginning in Silvares, in the municipality of Fundão and ending in Cambas, in the municipality of Oleiros, GRZ is the epicentre of the river to enjoy white-waters which challenge the experience and technique of the canoeists.
The route passes through sections of the route that take in the unique landscapes of the mining land and ends in the characteristic curves of the river - the meanders.
Although canoeing is the main sport at this time of year, this stretch of the GRZ is also equipped for mountain biking and Trail Running, where can experience one of Portugal’s wildest rivers up close. The ambassadors will take on these three courses simultaneously.
PROGRAMME
10:30am - Meeting point and departure at Silvares Intermodal Station towards Barroca Intermodal Station (9km)
12:00pm - Arrival at the Barroca Intermodal Station and departure towards the Dornelas dam (5km)
12:50pm - Arrival at Dornelas and departure towards Janeiro de Cima dam (11.2km)
2pm - Arrival at Janeiro de Cima and departure towards Janeiro de Baixo (3.5km)
2:45 pm - Arrival at Janeiro de Baixo and departure towards Cambas (8.4km)
3:30pm - Arrival at Cambas River Beach
AMBASSADORS
- Emanuel Silva
- João Garcia
- José Artur Pinto
- Luís Coelho
- Miguel Caçador
- Miguel Tolda
- Paulo Coelho
- Paulo Mourão
- Pedro Pedrosa
- Ricardo Gonzalez
The initial meeting point is at the Silvares Intermodal Station (EI), at 10:30am. The ambassadors will pass through Barroca, Dornelas,Janeiro de Cima and Janeiro de Baixo, finishing their route at the Cambas River Beach, where they are expected to arrive at 3:30pm.
Plan your stay at bookinxisto.com.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ZÊZERE RIVER
The Zêzere river valley is a feature of the Aldeias do Xisto and one of the most environmentally-diverse natural spaces in the country, specifically because it is one of the wildest rivers with the least human interference. The creation of the Grande Rota do Zêzere (GRZ) was designed to allow users to enjoy closer contact with natural heritage.
The GRZ’s route spans several scenic views, where you can appreciate the richness of the region’s fauna and flora, as well as the human elements that have long established themselves on its banks. Nature and human culture blend in surprising shades along the way, showing this to be one of Portugal’s best kept secrets.
The Zêzere River rises in the Serra da Estrela, at about 1900 m altitude, near Cântaro Magro, where the largest glacial valley in Europe begins (13 km). Moving southwest through the Beira Interior, Pinhal Interior and Médio Tejo regions, it flows into the river Tejo, west of Constância, after a running for about 248 kilometres. After the Mondego, it is the second largest river in Portugal.
