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.
A few more walks to share this week. Many thanks to all of you. Please enjoy!
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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 :
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 :
Just time to slip in a little culture from Ulli :
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!
restlessjo 
Gorgeous views from the top and well worth the slog up there! The castle definitely had a superb location and it must have been special to have the place to yourselves. As for the cake, can I imagine a Swedish cinnamon swirl bun? 😀
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Imagine away, Annika! I think it may have been an almond tart covered in nuts but I could easily be wrong 🤗🥧💕
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Did someone say swedish cinnamon bun? Now my mouth is watering Annika.
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RJo – such a lovely ramble. I can feel the heat in your photos. Is autumn coming soon? Thank you for doing the hard work of taking that walk for me! Susan
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Ha! Autumn? Maybe end of October 🤣. Lazy afternoons till then 🤗💕
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Yup, I think we’re all feeling a bit lazy these days, and it’s not all bad :))
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Surely after that climb in the heat there had to be cake as a reward?
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Not sure that there was, but certainly a lovely glass of wine with that view 🥰🥰
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I think I would have melted in the heat! Otherwise, I would have enjoyed the walk and the views. I love old places like that.
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I did melt in the heat, but fortunately not for long. I enjoyed sitting and gazing across the water afterwards 😎💕
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Thanks for the jaunt, Jo! Always a pleasure.
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Cheers for the company, Kelly 😍😍
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I have yet to meet people who like uphill climbs (or battles, as I call them). Except for my husband – sigh. And, some of his fitter friends. Double sigh. And all the hikers passing me whenever I attempt a summit. Aaaargh.
I’m a flatlander (while downhill walks are easier, the knees don’t agree) and could walk for days on flat terrain. But, add a hill or a mountain in there and I turn surly as well. But, if there are nice views as a reward, persistence pays off. 🙂 A nice discovery, Jo. Thank you for the mention as well.
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You’re welcome hon. On the last lap of our anniversary jaunt. More hills 🤣🤣
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Your walk descriptions are delightful. We have had several days of above 30 deg. weather. I find it ironic that we are having one of the most beautiful summers in recent history and most people are unable to vacation as they would like.
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It’s true, Connie. I’m quite happy to explore this country but I would like to be able to see my family more easily. 🤔💕Thanks for your company!
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Were those castle walls held together with concrete or were they dry stone walls?
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Drystone, I think, Emma, though the Romans used concrete, as I found out at some ruins in the Alentejo today 🤗💕
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I was amazed when I found out that the Romans used concrete, it aways seemed such a modern material (think of all the 1960s brutalist buildings)!
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Exactly! Poland is still full of them 🤨💕
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hahahaha yes where is that cake.. 😉
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Lisa, I trust in your imagination 🥰🍰💕
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Really quite excellent. My knee, these days, doesn’t allow too much in the way of exploring and I can well imagine I would not have been too happy to climb up to the castle. But a car ride would have been welcome.
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My hips are playing me up this morning, John- too much beach walking, I suspect. No keeping the demon age away, is there? 🙂 🙂 Do my best! Off on explorations today.
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Sounds like an interesting walk from an historical perspective but the heat can take the edge of any walk. These days I rarely do walks in summer (out temps regularly go into the 40s) unless I can start by 6am and finish by 10 at the latest.
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Nor do we, Albert, except at the beach. This was just as the heatwave was arriving and Mick was still a bit Gung Ho! 🙂 🙂
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Jo, you might have been hot and a tad grumpy, but I think it was worth it for this walk and exploration. What a view at the top!
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It’s a lovely bit of the world, Carol, and once I had my feet under the table all was forgiven 🙂 🙂
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“A car drew up on the stony path and a young woman stepped out. Our timing was good… ”
And I was expecting the story to end with her delivering champagne and cake to you! Oh well, next time. 🙂 Great find, Jo.
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If only, Draco! 🙂 🙂 I live in hope.
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Interesting! Castle ruins… but sultry weather 😐 great view from the cafe 😃 have a great week 🤗
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Thanks, Rita 🙂 🙂 Looking for pastures new.
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Glad you found a new view. I like joining your walks.
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Thanks very much! Good to have you along 🤗💕
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Thanks!
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