Oranges Ecopath
Arcozelo, Ponte de Lima
41° 46' 9,9" N | 8° 35' 15,3" W
Arcozelo, Ponte de Lima
Description
The
Orange section, in Ponte de Lima, establishes the connection between the
village and the Garrida pier in Refoios of Lima. We begin the section on the
right bank, near the Roman-Goth Bridge. The bridge, which has connected the two
shores for more 2,000 years, is classified as a national monument. A unique work
of the Roman Emperor of the time, Octavian Caesar Augustus, it would be
augmented in the Middle Ages due to the diverging of the river bed as well as
destruction caused by time or war.
Following
this section we immediately come upon the Guardian Angel Chapel, a XIV century
monument that has a single span structure with three open sides, a crisscrossed
and pointed vault coverage and capitals adorned with plant motifs.
Before we
continue the way we recommend a brief visit to Arnado Park, located on our left,
to enjoy the remarkable set of gardens that recreate different artistic styles.
Returning to the eco trail and toward the bridge that crosses the river Labruja
beautiful specimens of linden trees are visible. From the bridge we can glimpse
the observation station for wildlife watching on the Lima River. We recommend a
short stop at this post, and if luck be on our side, we will be able to
contemplate fauna species such as the mallard, the heron, the kingfisher, or
even the otter searching for their meal.
The remaining length of the course
until Refoios of Lima, is accompanied at all times by the riparian gallery of
the Lima River composed of oak, ash, alders and willows, which offers a
pleasant freshness throughout its course. Unlike the sections downstream of
Ponte de Lima, which dominate the extensive agricultural areas, we can witness
a narrowing of the riverbank margins, particularly from the A3 viaduct,
reducing the space available for agriculture, which are only verified in the
valley areas associated with the influential Lima River. The differences in the riverbed are also
notable. The water runs faster and encounters some granite blocks on its course
whose number will increase as we move upstream.
Arriving at the Garrida pier,
we are faced with a real sense of communion with nature. The beauty of the
place is associated with the sound of water that stumbles and slips through the
artificial fishing that seeks to limit traffic areas of the lamprey, on their
way to spawn, making it easier to capture them.
Close to this point the eco
trail carries onto lands of the Arcos de Valdevez County.
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