Route of the Tunnels alongside the deserted tracks within the Douro

Stroll alongside 17 kilometers by tunnels and bridges over 30 meters excessive. That is the sweeping proposal of the Tunnel Route, an outdated prepare line and a rare instance of engineering, which linked Porto to Paris and which has been deserted since 1985.

The Route of the Tunnels is situated in Beira Alta, subsequent to the Spanish border, on a route between the Portuguese station of Barca d’Alva to the Spanish station of Fregeneda. The route may be prolonged in Portuguese territory, alongside the Douro River to Pocinho, which is the tip level of the Douro railway line.

The road by which the Route of the Tunnels passes was in-built 1887 by the disciples of Gustave Eiffel and operated for 98 years. Nevertheless, regardless of being banned from abandonment, the location has turn into an object of curiosity for being so distinctive and providing an extended and thrilling stroll, the place there isn’t a scarcity of darkish crossings and bridges whose precarious steadiness could make even the bravest ones falter.

Nevertheless, in the summertime of 2018 among the most unsafe elements of bridges had been rehabilitated, so the crossing is now a lot safer.

Uncover the Route of the Tunnels

Alongside the 17 kilometers of path, at all times carried out by the deserted railway line, you’ll go by 8 bridges, 4 pontoons and 20 tunnels. Take note of the entire route.

As quickly as you begin your manner alongside the Route of the Tunnels, you encounter the primary impediment, as entry is blocked by massive iron gates. You’ll have to enchantment to the creativeness to get on the way in which.

The primary a part of the part is nearly at all times completed at the hours of darkness, so it’s important to hold flashlights and further batteries. You should still run into one or two bats, however don’t be alarmed. The evil tales about these animals are clearly exaggerated.

Bear in mind, too, that you’ll stroll throughout bridges that provide no obvious security. Nevertheless, the latest restructuring has made all the pieces safer, as a way to enterprise out even with some precautions, corresponding to strolling alongside the prepare tracks. The lateral zones can supply some risks. It’s greatest to go together with nice care.

Walkthrough the Route of the Tunnels

Take note of the distances to journey between tunnels and bridges, and the remainder of the route past this one is finished within the open air:

• Tunnel 1: 1,590km in La Fregeneda – Spain;
• Pigallo Bridge, 4 meters;
• Tunnel 2: 32 meters;
• Tunnel 3: 400 meters;
• Bridge 1: Morgados Bridge, 100 meters lengthy and 30 meters excessive;
• Tunnel 4: 100 meters;
• Bridge 2: Poyo Rubio 130 meters lengthy and 30 meters excessive;
• Tunnel 5: 20 meters;
• Tunnel 6: 400 meters;
• Bridge 3: Ponte de la Curva, 60 meters lengthy and 20 meters excessive;
• Tunnel 7: 100 meters;
• Tunnel 8: 30 meters;
• Tunnel 9: 50 meters;
• Tunnel 10: 20 to 30 meters;
• Small bridge: 3 to 4 meters, with out handrail;
• Tunnel 11: 50 meters;
• Tunnel 12: 200 meters;
• Bridge 4: Arroyo del Lugar Bridge, 250 meters lengthy and 30 meters excessive;
• Tunnel 13: 200 meters;
• Tunnel 14: 100 meters;
• Tunnel 15: 50 meters;
• Bridge 5: Ponte de los Poyos 200 meters;
• Tunnel 16: 400 meters;
• Bridge 6: Ponte de los Riscos, 100 meters lengthy and 30 to 40 meters excessive;
• Tunnel 17: 300 meters;
• Tunnel 18: 40 meters;
• Bridge 7: Ponte de las almas, 220 meters;
• Tunnel 19: 20 meters;
• Tunnel 20: 300 to 400 meters;
• Bridge 8: Worldwide bridge over the River Águeda, coming into Portugal;
• Arrival at Barca d’Alva: Finish of the path.

Learn how to get to the Route of the Tunnels

Should you go by automotive, you may both go to Barca d’Alva, within the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, or to La Fregeneda in Spain.

Portuguese entry is sort of straightforward. Nevertheless, the identical doesn’t occur with Spanish entry. In that case, you need to head to the present La Fregeneda station, which is about 4 kilometers from the city and one other 3.5 kilometers from the place to begin of the Route of the Tunnels. Any location will have the ability to inform you about entry, as there are presently no indications.

On the finish of the Route of the Tunnels, if you attain Barca d’Alva, you may take a taxi again to the place to begin, on a visit that may price round €25 to €30.

Helpful ideas for these visiting the Route of the Tunnels

To make this journey as easy as attainable, take note of the guidelines we have now for you:

• Touring at a time of gentle temperature;
• Begin the journey very early within the morning;
• Take frozen water, to at all times have contemporary water alongside the route;
• Take massive portions, as there isn’t a approach to refuel in the midst of the journey;
• Take sufficient meals;
• Take flashlights and further battery;
• Take appropriate footwear for trails;
• Placed on sunscreen and put on a hat;
• Don’t do the path alone;
• Take a digicam to report all of the moments and delightful landscapes;
• All the time stroll by the center of the railway traces;
• Take particular care when crossing the ends. Some may be bypassed;
• Should you undergo from vertigo, don’t take this route;
• There will probably be no cell community on a lot of the path.

It’s an unforgettable journey, which requires some care, however which is properly value it. Should you assume you would possibly get misplaced, you need to take note of the best aspect of the tunnels, as they’re numbered so you may at all times know which a part of the route you’re on.