Route 56 Ourique (MTB XC 4 - preto)

Route with a high level of difficulty,  that follows rural paths, with a landscape dominated by the cork oak and holm oak in the “countryside” area and by the extensive Mediterranean scrublands in the most southern and mountainous area. It is a very demanding route, suitable for those looking for a great challenge. The degree of difficulty is attributed essentially to the distance covered and the high accumulated unevenness, since the paths are generally wide and have a good terrain. There are some more challenging slopes, mainly in the mountainous area, but almost always with great fluidity throughout the landscape. The main crossing points are the Castro da Cola archaeological site, located next to the Mira river and the Santa Clara Dam, the village of Santana da Serra and the Aldeia de Palheiros. In Castro da Cola there is a restaurant and a recommended Interpretive Center and in Santana da Serra and Aldeia de Palheiros there are support services such as cafes, restaurants and public toilets. The route crosses twice the bed of the River Mira and as well as the most steep mountainous landscape in the southern part of the municipality. The river crossing may be conditioned during periods of higher flow. This route coincides with other routes of this Cycling Center, with different distances and degrees of difficulty, allowing you to choose a different route during the activity. In addition, this route also allows the connection to the Almodôvar Cycling Center, as it coincides with one of its routes.