In Lugo we are guaranteed a lot of one hundred percent natural corners to feel autumn up close. Many forests, groves, rivers, mountains, valleys, bridges, waterfalls… Isn’t it the largest province of Galicia? Well, let’s walk it: let’s go there!
Route of A Marronda – Alto Eo. This circular path takes us along 21.30 km, although it can be shortened, through the parishes of A Braña, Martín and Cubilledo, in the municipalities of A Fonsagrada and Baleira. We start in San Paio or in the Recreational Area of Cortevella, in the municipality of Baleira. There, among oaks, chestnut trees and pines, we ascend the mountain and enter the Fraga de A Marronda, a thick beech forest that is special for being unique in these latitudes. In one section we go along the banks of the Eo, with its meanders and waterfalls, such as Acea da Serra and O Pozo da Ferreira.
Route of A Devesa da Rogueira. In this treasure of O Courel we can do several routes. The best known is the circular one, 9.5 km long, although we can extend it to 13.3 km. It starts from the Aula de la Naturaleza de Moreda and passes through Moreda, Moreda Maior, Devesa da Rogueira, Fontes do Cervo, Pico Polín Viewpoint and Rego da Nogueira. Along the way, in addition to the wealth of plants, we have natural viewpoints to calmly contemplate the view, such as A Cabeza do Couto and Alto do Couto.
Route of the Mines. It is a circular route that goes through the mines of A Pontenova and along the Turía river, which flows into the Eo. It starts at the old train station, now a tourist office, next to the iron calcination ovens, in the Plaza de Os Fornos. In addition to reviving the industrial past of the area, we make sections along the river, and we can even connect with the Railway Route, also called the Eo Greenway, which ends in San Tirso de Abres, in Asturias. If you know little, we can always jump on the zip line…
Guitiriz Water Route. This is one of the best-known routes in Guitiriz, which links the Northern Way of Saint James with the three medicinal springs in the municipality: Valdovín, in Parga; that of San Xoán, in Lagostelle, where the spa is located, and that of Santo Domingo, in Pardiñas. The walk begins in San Alberte, in the parish of Sambreixo, where, in addition to the area on the banks of the Parga River, we have a Roman bridge, a Gothic chapel and a cross. A few kilometers ahead, the Parga joins the Ladra. Along the way there is a bit of everything: olive trees, a Roman mandio, a castle, and even a mosque. The route covers 19.6 km, and ends at Carballeira de Pardiñas.
A Seimeira de Vilagocende. This waterfall jumps 50 m high, where the Porteliñas River descends to the Lamos. The very short route, 2.24 km long, begins about 300 m before reaching Vilagocende from A Fonsagrada. Between birch, alder and oak trees, we walk along the wooden walkways that take us to the side of the waterfall, right where it falls. A place to dream. There is also a viewpoint that gives us a perspective from above.
Souto da Retorta. Judging by the size of these eucalyptus trees, the gnomes in the area must be a head taller than us. In Chavín, in the municipality of Viveiro, on the shores of the Landro river walk, the giant centuries-old eucalyptus trees coexist with typical riverside forest species and enormous ferns. The eucalyptus trees arrived in 1880, to stop the floods. Some measure 70 m. The Avó has a foot of 2.5 m in diameter. They are unique trees and the grove is monumental.
Cospeito lagoon. Here we have one of the most important wetlands in Galicia, fed by the Guisande River, a tributary of the Miño. Autumn is a good time to observe many species of birds that arrive from northern Europe, such as lapwings, culchara ducks, mallards, herons… Little bustards, steppe birds, are also seen. And newts, frogs, salamanders… All this in the shelter of oaks, birches and willows, among many more species. The route begins in the square of A Feira do Monte, where the Interpretation Center is. Along the circular walk of 4.6 km, we can stop at several ornithological observatories to enjoy the show. Who has binoculars, has a good opportunity to show them off.
Route of As Ínsuas do Miño. This circular trail, 5 km long, goes along the banks of the Miño as it passes through Outeiro de Rei, in A Terra Chá. It starts at the recreational area next to A Ponte Vella, and follows the old fishermen’s path. In this protected area there are small islands in the river bed: the Small, Santa Mariña or Abaixo and San Roque, the largest. The first two can be visited by crossing wooden bridges. The environment is totally autochthonous: oak trees, holly trees… There is also a caneiro and the Felpás mill and A Fonte da Pinguela.
Cabo do Mundo route. This 9 km circular walk is in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, in the municipality of Chantada. It leaves the church of Nogueira de Miño and passes through pine forests and copses, at this point with the ground full of hedgehogs. We take the opportunity to visit the villages of Cartemil, Goimil, Nogueira de Abaixo and Portanogueira. And, of course, we also take the opportunity to look out at the viewpoints along the way to stop and enjoy the views.
Coast of O Vicedo. It is a good time to approach the Mariña lucense, and walk relaxed along the beaches and cliffs, away from the summer crowds. This 13 km linear route begins at the port of O Vicedo and passes through O Vidreiro beach, O Caolín, through Baltar, Xilloi beach, Coelleira island and San Román beach or Large Area. The path has two detours: to the church of Santo Estevo de O Vicedo and to the viewpoint of A Cruz do Baltar.
