The final (or for most people the first) 24.2 kilometre stage of the Via Algarviana forms a big "hook" and the question is whether the extra 10 km or more to do the hook is really worth it. It does take you to two standing stones but although they are important historically they are not that dramatic. Nevertheless the walk is pleasant though more grassland than previous days, sprinkled liberally with daisies, dandelions and some flocks of sheep. It passes through a few villages all with whitewashed walls and red tile roofs I wonder if there is a regulation to enforce this so that all you can choose is the colour to edge your windows with, yellow ochre being traditional but with some people using blues and pinks. After a miniature coffee and rather larger cake in a little cafe in one village the path eventually reached the River Guardiana. Not quite as impressive as I hoped and rather muddy although a sudden hailstorm did not improve the appearance. There had been sudden showers all day with fresh winds and sunny spells.
Alcoutim is a pretty town with a quayside, castle and various churches. I am staying at the very reasonably priced Youth Hostel having dined in town next to a big gathering of men and football on the TV, pretty typical, wonder what their wives were doing?
Flower covered grassland
Standing stones
End (of beginning) of the Via Algarviana at Alcoutim
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