Jo’s Monday walk : Castelo Velho de Alcoutim

Discarded hilltop ruins are ten a penny in Portugal.  Truth be told, I had no idea that this one even existed.  Numerous times I’ve been to Alcoutim and admired the castle, sitting solidly on its hill, protecting the town and looking out over the Guadiana River.  Little did I know that there was a predecessor, whose ruins I could still see.  Castelo Velho de Alcoutim came as a complete surprise to me.

What else does one do on a Sunday morning with the temperature climbing towards the 30s?  ”Just a short walk” was how he sold it to me.  A pleasant drive up to Alcoutim, with its lovely views across the river, and a mere 4km stroll.  No mention was made of a castle on a hill.

So we walked out of town, following signs for the PR3.  Already it was hot and I loitered whenever I came upon a scrap of shade.  Rounding a corner, a hill rose in front of me and, perched on the top, the aforementioned ruins.  I hesitate to say that I was surly, but I was!  I’m as fond of ruins as the next person, but a cooler day for them might have been nice.  Uphill was no pleasure at all, especially when the views were left behind.  While the river was in sight there was the distraction of whoops and cheers from the zipline, which stretches over from Spain.

As I grumbled to myself, Michael paused and indicated a short uphill scramble.  It didn’t look like a promising access to me but, as we hesitated, a car drew up on the stony path and a young woman stepped out.  Our timing was good, for she had come to unlock the gate, promptly at 11.00am.  Apparently the old castle is regarded as unsafe if the wind is strong.  There was almost no trace of a breeze that morning, and after walking all around the site to ensure that we were safe, she left us to explore.

It did feel a little precarious in places, but the views were superb.  It would certainly have been a good place from which to keep a lookout on Spain.  Built in the 8th-9th century, this castle was once an important Islamic military structure.  Exactly why it was abandoned in the 11th century is not known, but the younger castle was constructed in the 13th century, a kilometre away, within the town of Alcoutim.  It stands proud to this day.

As so often, the way back down was much more easily achieved.  I’m not sure that all of the zipliners felt the same way.  I was very happy to have my head back in the shade, and a magnificent view stretching before me.

I can’t remember cake, but maybe there was?  You’ll have to imagine your own.

walking logo

A few more walks to share this week.  Many thanks to all of you.  Please enjoy!

………………………………………………………………………………….

Liesbet was happy to hit the road again, with a beautiful  destination :

Getaway to the White Mountains

Fancy counting butterflies with Sharon?  Hopefully there’s still time!

Salthill Quarry Nature Reserve

I love a seaport, and these are perfect examples from Drake :

Walk back time

The sunny side

Life at the beach isn’t always peaceful, as Alice can tell you :

Tropical Storm Isaias Passes By

Been a while since I shared one of Jude’s.  This is a beauty :

Summer on the Hill

Just time to slip in a little culture from Ulli :

Gothic Lady of Naumburg

Temperatures have seldom dipped much below 30C since we did this walk a few weeks ago.  Not walking weather, I’m sure you’ll agree.  I’m taking myself off for an anniversary jaunt into the Alentejo this week (correction- he’s taking me!).  It may, or may not be cooler.  Have a good week, whatever your weather!

93 comments

  2. Such a walk of beyond me now but I would enjoy getting to the bottom of it and sitting there waiting for the others to return (that’s what I usually do nowadays – when I get away, that is). Lovely views from those ruins but I’m sorry there was no tea-room there, it’s always needed at the top of a hill! Carrying a flask isn’t the same thing at all. It’s too hot here for me to get up an interest in blogging, we were 36 degrees yesterday and that was too much. I could have gone down to the seashore but there were too many people, the garden was too hot, so I stayed indoors with the fan going full blast with cold bottles of fizzy water by my side. The fridge was working overtime to keep the wine cool, ready for that 6 o’clock breakout! Today not quite as hot but very sultry and humid.

    Like

    Reply

    1. 36 is too much for anyone, Mari! Crazy year, crazy weather! There is a nice little cafe overlooking the river and I was quite happy to sit and watch the world drift by. Yay – just realised it’s after 6 and you can have your drink. Cheers, darlin! 🤗🥂💕 I may be getting company so I’ll wait a while. Take care!

      Like

      Reply

    1. I know the feeling, Frank. 🤗💕 Boat ride to the beach this morning. Home now and in the shade of the patio with a sandwich and a book. There’s something to be said for retirement 🤣🤣.

      Like

      Reply

  8. Beautiful walk and superb views over the river, Joe! Ireland’s landscape is scattered with castle ruins and we always try to incorporate them in our walks whenever it’s possible. Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos and have a good day 😀 Aiva

    Like

    Reply
  10. Pingback: Perle de l’Atlantique | Le Drake Noir

  12. Uphill in heat with no shade sounds like punishment to me, never mind those views. I’d be wanting a couple of glasses of ice cold SB after that! Have a lovely trip away and thanks for the link to mine 😘

    Like

    Reply

    1. This was 5 or so weeks ago, before the Sagres trip and the heat was just arriving. Much more chilled these days. Currently strolling on a beach. Thanks hon 🤗🏖️💕

      Like

      Reply

      1. Strolling on beach sounds good, but I’m in agreement with Karen, there is no shade on a beach! Only 21 degrees here, but warm enough for me. And very breezy. Was tipping it down at 5 a.m. Very busy around here.

        Like

      2. Beach umbrellas proliferate and I love a breeze and the boat ride. 😎🏖️ Home again now. Light lunch and a friend dropping in later. Fancy free tomorrow 💕

        Like

      4. In some places, yes, but I just walk further. I don’t mind people watching a bit and it’s nice to see people enjoying themselves. I’m no good at being cooped up, Jude, and I don’t have your interests in gardening or photography. I’m just a wanderer ☹️💕

        Like

  15. The views are lovely – maybe worth the climb? I admit to surliness myself on walks sometimes. Our aspirations don’t always collide…

    My post today is a walking one. I’m not sure if you want links at the moment, but I’ll link anyway and you can ignore if necessary!

    Happy anniversary to you both.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. That’s great, Anabel. I’m feeling very wishy washy on the subject of blogging at the moment. I blame the heat and I should probably just take a complete break and reinvent myself. But I haven’t the energy. 🤣 🏖️💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. Nice walk with lovely views but it did look a little warm (understatement). Can totally understand you being a little surly as the hill rose above you. The temperatures are crazy at the moment aren’t they? I’m imagining an ice cream instead of cake though.

    Like

    Reply

  18. Not much left of the Castle, but the views at the top were definitely worth the hike up. The weather has been very hot here in the UK also, I hope it is not too hot for you in the gorgeous Algarve 🙂

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.