The British retreat across the Peninsular stopped at the prepared positions in the lines of Torres Vedras. Massena's cavalry made their first contact on the 11 October. Massena viewed the lines on the 14th October and realised he could not attack so formidable defence. He held position before the lines for four weeks occasionally probing and skirmishing before retreating twenty five miles on the 14th November because local foraging could no longer sustain his army. Massena had lost a significant number of men to hardship and starvation. With few shots fired and no battle being fought Wellington had won a significant victory. On the 6th March 1811 Massena began a full retreat.