Trail
running

Ansião challenges you to run along trails where diverse terrain makes every kilometre unique! With trails that take you from the peaceful banks of the River Nabão to the demanding climbs into the mountains, through dense forests and authentic rural landscapes, workouts in Ansião are never boring!

If you prefer a gentler run, the green trail running circuits are ideal for you. On P11 Green – Ansião, you start your run along the tranquil banks of the River Nabão and return to the Green Park next to Olhos d’Água — the source of the river, perfect for recovery. And on P13 Green – Avelar, you can let yourself be carried along peaceful forest trails at nature’s rhythm.

Want to raise the bar? P14 Blue – Santiago da Guarda combines challenge and natural beauty with rural and forest trails of moderate difficulty. At the northernmost point, you cross Alvorge, a village marked by the symbolic confluence of the roads to Fátima and Santiago. On the way back, the Santiago da Guarda Parish Church invites you to take a final moment of rest or contemplation.

Ready to test your limits on the most demanding trails? Choose P15 Red – Ansião, which takes you through historic villages and challenging trails… or P16 Red – Ansião, which offers intense climbs through Serra da Portela and Serra da Nexebra, with panoramic views over the Pousaflores Valley.

In Alvaiázere, you can take your trail running to another level on circuits that traverse mountainous terrain. Here, the Alvaiázere and Ariques mountains serve as your proving grounds, with technical trails and steep climbs that challenge your legs and spirit… with panoramic views that make every drop of sweat worthwhile!

Looking for a peaceful trail where you can run at your own pace and enjoy being close to nature? On P01 Green – Alvaiázere (Várzea Route), you can enjoy wide, accessible paths, with the freshness of the Carrascal Forest keeping you company.

Prefer challenges that blend technique and scenery? Take P02 Blue – Alvaiázere, which leads you to the foot of the mountain, where 360-degree panoramic views and unique rock formations await! Alternatively, you can follow P04 Blue – Alvaiázere, which passes through Bofinho, Ribeira da Barroca valley and the enigmatic Nossa Senhora dos Covões Chapel, linked to the legend of the apparitions of Senhora da Memória.

Are you thinking about slopes, technical climbs and demanding trails? P03 Red – Alvaiázere offers many kilometres of moderate difficulty, and P05 offers fantastic views from the iconic Baloiço de Alvaiázere! However, if “bold” is your middle name, take on P06 Red: a full trail running challenge with demanding climbs and breathtaking landscapes among seemingly endless mountains.

Are there more accessible circuits suitable for the whole family or beginners in trail running? Of course! The Ansião and Alvaiázere green trails – shorter, flatter and less technically demanding – are perfect for all ages, making them ideal for a first taste of the sport or a family run or walk. Additionally, these trails provide a unique opportunity to explore nature at a relaxed pace and enjoy fun moments outdoor.

More distance, more elevation and more technical challenges? For experienced runners looking for real adventure, the Sicó Outdoor Centre offers red and black Trail Running circuits. These demanding trails offer intensity, endurance and sweeping landscapes, taking active explorers to new levels of performance across varied terrain between Ansião and Alvaiázere.

For those looking to go even further, it is possible to complete an ultra-trail challenge of more than 100km on the Ansião P18 route. This circuit, which also passes through Alvaiázere, can be completed non-stop or as a multi-day traverse – an immersive and unique experience for those truly passionate about running in nature.