Along this section of the Lines, the hills seem to touch the sky and the sun glints off the streams at the foot of the valleys and it’s said by those who pass through, that this is the only place you can hear the water singing.

Start off in the centre of Arruda dos Vinhos, the town presented with the Order of Santiago by the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques. Immerse yourself in its rurality, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ajuda and continue on to the village of Alrota, where you’ll find the Ajuda Grande redoubt. Here, you’ll find it easy to understand the symbiotic relationship between the fortifications and the terrain, as well as the strategy behind their construction. The fossils beneath your feet, or the stones used to cover the forts, are testament to the age of our planet. From the Lines of Torres Vedras Visitors’ and Heritage Centre in Arruda dos Vedras, set off to find the forts of Cego and Carvalha.

Keep on to the town of Bucelas, where there is another Visitors’ Centre and the Museum of Wine and Vine, the town church, and a gastronomic experience accompanied by the fine local wines. Having regained your strength, look for Fort Arpim which, in conjunction with the fortifications at Aguieira, defended the valleys, blocking the route to the city of Lisbon.

Towards Alverca do Ribatejo, after Quinta da Portela and further along the country road, are the forts of Aguieira, Portela Grande and Portela Pequena, which functioned as an isolated outpost. Enjoy the superb views from the natural viewpoints.