Sulu--here is the response I received to my email:
Olá, It is possible to cover the Portuguese Way for the Coast. At this moment, it can make the Way of the Port Are Peter de Rates, where it has a good shelter, and there to take the Way Portuguese of the Coast; You can consult this information in our site placed today I publish to it:
http://www.viaveteris.pt/ Google on the basis of has to the right side a tool maps, that it allows to visualize the way in the map and the stages between Porto and Santiago. When making use, BON CAMINO, Manuel Miranda
Alan:
I think the dunes area you are talking about is that large area north of Barrio. It is undeveloped.
Brierley shows that you go inland around Vila Cha and go out again. His maps do not show the actual roadways (names, numbers, etc.) so I can see how people can get lost if the way is not well marked with arrows. I got lost several times on his alterative routes on the Frances because I didn't have actual road information and no way to tell how to get back. I am taking an actual road map with me this time for that very reason and google street maps in particular for places where it appears to be confusing. It's one thing to do this alone--which I did on the Frances. Quite another to have six other people to be concerned about who are also not very confident. We are walking independently during the day (hence my concern that they might get confused) but gathering each evening at a designated stopping place (in this case, Vila do Conde).
I pulled up google maps (put in Vila do Conde and then moved south) and it looks like you could go inland at Barrio da Louca (if indeed the boardwalk has been extended that far) on Rua da Praia (headed east) and then turn north on Rua da Estrada Veiha (goes around the dunes area) which, if followed all the way up, would take you across the bridge into Vila do Conde. Around the area of Areia/Avore it looks like you could turn back to the coast and walk; however it is subdivisions there without clear street names. Something I might attempt but I'm not sure I would feel too secure about sending others unless it is well marked with arrows.
I think what I will advise my folks to do is to look beyond at Vila Cha and if they do not see boardwalk continuing, to turn inland and follow the google street map I have downloaded and marked . And then either plan to walk north all the way on Veiha to Vila do Conde or go up to Mindelo and go over to the metro there and get off at the Santa Clara stop for Vila do Conde.
I am open to other input--now 3 weeks from departing for Portugal!