The wooden path in Arouca, Portugal

In Portugal, along the Paiva River in Arouca, there is an 8700m-long wooden trail. It crosses landscapes of stunning beauty, offering unforgettable experiences. The wooden path is built in such a way that it interferes as little as possible with the environment, protecting it but also generously offering it to the traveler's gaze.

Paiva Walkways - Passadicos do Paiva - is a development made in 2015 by the Lusitanian company Trimetrica at the request of the Municipality of Arouca so that the natural beauties of the area can be seen and studied without being affected by these hikes. The trail offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, quartz crystal deposits, exotic fauna and flora, as well as the river it also crosses. The structure interferes as little as possible with the surrounding environment.

The road, which zig-zags numerous times, is constructed of wood with metal elements added to secure the wooden beams and add extra strength where needed. It goes from ordinary road to staircase, climbing to the top of a hill where it offers a panoramic view of the whole area.

It then continues down to the Paiva River, which it crosses in the form of a very narrow bridge, surrounded by high cliffs covered with abundant natural vegetation. The trail has rest stops and panoramic viewpoints strategically placed to offer the best view of the natural beauty of the area.

The 2 ends of the road are in Areinho and Espiunca. The road is 8700 m long and takes 2.5 hours. It is considered difficult but is open all year round. There is also access to the beaches of the Paiva river and the river does not have to be crossed on the narrow footbridge.

The walk offers more than just a walk in the middle of nature. It's a unique experience characterized by a special relationship with nature, unique landscapes and a deep respect for what nature so generously gives us.

From this connection with nature that we want to explore, but at the same time we want to protect, emerges park development projects with suspended paths.

source: designboom.com