Experiences

Shepherd for a Day

Chãos, Rio Maior, Portugal


Duration

6 hours

Availability

All year (by appointment)

Location

Chãos, Rio Maior, Portugal

Cost

40€/adult €25/child (up to 12 years old) Half a day programs are also available (without snack and diploma): 2,5 hours / 15€/pax / Children up to 12 years old : 8€

Group size

5-15

To book contact: Cooperativa Terra Chã

00351 919 996 845 reservas@cooperativaterracha.pt

Overview

Follow a shepherd and his flock of “super goats” on a trail of about 6 km. Learn about the life of shepherds in the Candeeiros Mountain and the importance of this activity for the local economy, for the maintenance of mountain habitats and for fire prevention. Enjoy a traditional snack provided by Terra Chã and taste our local products while enjoying the landscape. Each “shepherd” will be presented with a diploma at the end of the day as a souvenir.

We leave the corral, where shepherd Raul welcomes us, and let the herd of native-bred goats set the pace as we go up the eastern slope leaving the village behind and go over the ridge. On the other side, you can see kilometres of Atlantic coast, the Berlengas Islands and the blue sea, a panorama perfectly adjusted to the magnificent picnic that is served with the flavours and nectars of the land. The bread is from Alcobertas, as is the corn bread, the goats cheese comes from the herd itself.

The journey takes about five hours, we go at a  pace that encourages conversation and the observation of everything the landscape has to offer. Round-winged eagles, kestrels and colourful goldfinches fly in the air, in a land that emanates the scent of thyme and rosemary. The walking circle ends once again in the village. Although the goats have several owners, they no longer return to their homes at the end of the day as they used to, but rather to the cooperative’s corral.

Characteristics:

Route: Circular (start and finish at Terra Chã Weaving Center)

Distance: Approximately 6 km

Paths: Rural and mountain paths marked by the passage of the herd

Difficulty: Medium

Includes:

– Shepherd´s Diploma

– Traditional Bag

– Snack with local products

– Shepherd’s crook

  • Experience: reveal the secrets of the Serras d’Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park.
  • Enjoy the simple things in life: breathe the fresh mountain air; listen to the sounds of nature and silence
  • People: experienced guide and shepherd
  • Landscapes: spectacular views
  • Stories: stories of people, places and the Earth
  • Biodiversity: get to know the plants and animals that inhabit this limestone region
  • Aromas and flavours: enjoy local products – honey, bread, wine, oil, cheese .

Additional Information

Food and Refreshments
Accommodation
Languages Spoken
Accessibility
Any additional equipment

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