The one from Mortagao, which was narrow and little used, passed through Royalva.

The other three led to the position occupied by the British force between the village of Busaco and Pena Cova.

Trant's command was posted at Royalva.

Terence with his regiment took post, with a Portuguese brigade of cavalry, on the heights above Santa Marcella, where the road leading south to Espinel forked; a branch leading from it across the Mondego, in the rear of the British position, to Coimbra.

Here he could be aided, if necessary, by the guns at Pena Cova, on the opposite side of the river.
While the British were taking up their ground between Busaco and Pena Cova, Ney and Regnier arrived on the crest of the opposite hill.