Os Ancares is one of Galicia’s main mountain systems. Comprising various ranges, its grandiose mountain scenery contrasts with its secluded villages. It is an isolated area whose mountains extend into the further corners of Asturias and León, making it one of the least densely populated areas in the Iberian peninsula.

Navia de Suarna is the point chosen to begin our route. A Proba de Navia is the capital of this extensive municipality and the area’s main centre of population. It grew up around the Ponte Vella, an early mediaeval bridge which for many years was the only point at which the River Navia could be crossed for many miles in either direction.

Following the riverbank vegetation along the course of the Navia, the route comes to a turning to Murias and Balouta, leading out of the valley. The first serious climb is to the pass at Folgueiras de Aigas. As we leave the village of Munís, the Larxentes range rises steeply and the well-surfaced road begins to climb and drop dramatically.

Heading towards Rao, the variations in altitude provide beautiful views of the sierra. The Rao valley is a place that is lost in time. Little villages nestle among green fields and dense vegetation between mountains rising to more than 1,000 metres. Windbreaks and coppices remind us of the importance of agriculture and livestock in the area’s economy. There will be no lack of invitations to buy honey and other local produce.

Murias is the largest village in the area. With its distinctive architecture, the village closely follows the contours of the mountainside. Shortly after leaving it, an attractive recreation area allows the traveller to rest and enjoy the views of the River Rao in the valley far below.

Going on towards Balouta we enter the region of Castilla y León. But borders mean nothing in these mountains and the landscape is as impressive as ever. Balouta is an old village. Its round thatched houses are similar to those of Piornedo but may be less well known. There is always something new to be seen in the extensive Ancares mountains.

The last houses in Balouta mark the point where the ascent to the Ancares Pass begins. The uneven road climbs steadily to the border between Galicia and Castilla y León, at a height of 1,648 metres. The views from the peaceful, silent Balouta lookout point should not be missed.

The route requires us to retrace our steps (briefly) as far as the turning to Suárbol and Piornedo. Piornedo is a living monument to the traditional architecture of the Galician mountains and deserves an unhurried visit.

Some of the greatest concentrations of hardwoods in Galicia, a veritable spectacle of texture and colour are found in Cervantes, Donís and Vilarello. The route then goes on to Campa da Braña, a key spot for lovers of hiking and climbing, as it is the departure point for such beautiful routes as the climb to Pico Tres Bispos (1,794 metres).

Doiras is an important junction on the route. A short walk takes visitors to its late mediaeval castle, also known as the Torre da Ferrería.

As Pontes de Gatín, in Becerreá, marks the end of this journey into the mountains of eastern Galicia. Its ancient bridge was part of Roman Road XIX and there is a milestone on one of its walls. Today it is only used by pedestrians and vehicles use a newer bridge over a pleasant stretch of the Navia, where we conclude our visit to Ancares.

The Gatín Bridge legend says that two lovers lived on opposite sides of the Navia, separated by the waters of the river. The devil made a pact with the man to create a bridge in exchange for the life of the next child to be born in the village. The man tricked the devil, offering him some new-born kittens, saving the child he and his lover were expecting but condemning the kittens to death. Since then the bridge has been known as the Gatín (kitten) bridge.