Why this ride
Shaded two-lane riding with rolling corners and little urban exposure. It also links naturally to University of Coimbra.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Mondego and Bucaco Loop
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 75 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 1 h 20
- Journey
- Recorded itinerary
Distance and timing basis
The recorded total and the leg detail need reconciliation. Inspect the leg notes before using this record for timing or navigation. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: producer-declared routed record.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distance and riding time are measured on the routed road. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Access context
Check wildfire closures, heat and local road works. Specific flag: rain.
Seasonal context
Mar-Nov
Scenic road chapters
Estrada Nacional 2
Expect company on a summer weekend. Early is better than fast. For 14 km this is Estrada Nacional 2, a road with a name of its own and a reason for it.
Chapter facts
- Length
- 14 km
- Named road
- Estrada Nacional 2
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Coimbra
Coimbra is a hill town that happens to hold one of the oldest universities in Europe. The old city climbs up from the Mondego river in a tangle of steep, cobbled lanes, with the university buildings at the summit, and in the evenings the sound of fado drifts down from taverns and small squares. The Coimbra version of fado is different from the Lisbon one, sung traditionally by men, often students in black capes, and tied to serenades beneath windows.
Read the complete Coimbra write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Coimbra sits at 0 km, early in the day. Next is Penacova.
2. Penacova
Penacova perches on a ridge high above the Mondego, and the first thing you notice is the drop. The town looks down into a deep green valley where the river runs through a wooded gorge on its way from the mountains to the sea at Figueira da Foz. A viewpoint at the edge of the town gives a wide look over the river bend, with forested hills on either side. It is a calm spot for a break, and the air feels cooler and fresher than the coast.
Read the complete Penacova write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Penacova comes up 16 km in. Next is Luso.
3. Luso
Luso is where Portuguese mineral water comes from, and it is also where one of the great forests in the country begins. The little spa town sits at the foot of the Buçaco hills, and for generations visitors came to take the waters. The water is still bottled here and sold across the country under the name of the town, and the spa buildings and old hotels give Luso a gentle, slightly faded charm.
Read the complete Luso write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
33 km in you reach Luso. Next is Coimbra.
4. Coimbra
Return visit. Read the place description above.
Read the complete Coimbra write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Coimbra, late in the day.