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Description
The Antiga Estrada Nacional area is well known to be good for birds of the open countryside, and the Vale Gonçalinho Environmental Education Centre (Centro de Educação Ambiental Vale Gonçalinho) is the obligatory starting point for a visit to the Special Protection Zone for birds in Castro Verde. The centre is situated along a track off to the right from this old road.
The road is little used and allows a very leisurely drive (or walk) from Castro Verde to Entradas. A distance of approximately 10 km. The road crosses (and is sometimes crossed by!) a couple of streams. It gives good views of the surrounding countryside which unlike the highway next to it, there is plenty of opportunity to stop.
The countryside is mainly gently rolling grassland with occassional trees and shrubs along the roadside. Check the fences and wires for birds such as Hálmsöngvari, Hagaskvetta, Korntittlingur, and Steppusvarri. Look out for Dvergdoðra, Kliðfálki and Völsungur.
Details
Access
The Antiga Estrada Nacional road can be a bit difficult to find from road signs alone, which try to put you on to the highway; from the Castro Verde end at least, although obvious on a good map. On the Rotunda dos Cristais (Rotunda do Minério - Monumento à Riqueza do Subsolo) in the centre of Castro Verde take the exit north for the motorway A2/IP2/Saida and take the right turn onto the N391. This will quickly leave the town and you will be next to the motorway on the south side. From Entradas is it somewhat easier. Turn left just before joining the motorway following the green sign with Castro Verde/ Orique.
To walk the road - or part of it, roadside parking is available at either end.