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We are based in the quiet village of Carvalhal de Santo Amaro which is within walking distance of Penela; a historic hillside town with an 11th century castle, in the region of Beira Litoral. Penela is a small tranquil market town that provides a perfect base to explore one of the best walking regions in Portugal.

The Beiras stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Spanish border in the east. The area contains an extensive network of quiet tracks and pathways in beautiful countryside.

The vibrant and imposing University City of Coimbra is to the north, the Silver Coast and Figueira da Foz to the west and to the south, Tomar, which houses a Knights Templar fortress. To the east is the Serra da Estrella; the highest mountain range in the country and a designated nature reserve.

" Walking Portugal is a new adventure started by Peter Williams, an ex Royal Air Force Instructor and College Lecturer. An experienced team leader, Peter has walked extensively and particulary in the UK, from Scotland and the Caingorms, North Wales, and the coastal paths in Cornwall. He now resides in the quiet village of Carvalhal de Santo Amaro in Central Portugal. "

Coimbra, once the capital, is situated on the crown of a hill in the centre of Portugal and overlooks the River Mondego. Two hours from Lisbon, one hour from Porto, it is known as the cultural centre of Portugal. Wrested from the moors in AD878 and again in 1064 by Ferdinand the Great Coimbra has a wealth of facinating historic associations .

Founded in 1290 by papal decree to teach medicine, arts and law, Coimbra is home to the oldest university in Portugal and was eventually settled in Joao III's royal palace.

Coimbra was settled by the Romans in approximately 100AD and was know as Civitas Aeminium. It later got its current name from the nearby Roman settlement of Conimbriga.