Turismo de Galicia

The route we propose is circular, which means that you can start and finish it at any point. Our recommendation is that you start on the main road that runs between Os Peares to the hydraulic power station of San Pedro to then ascend the River Sil. You will begin by car on a 6 km route that will take you to a small parking area with information panels describing the route.

Woodland and history: two great reasons to take this unique, enchanting route.

Our route begins next to the river, but don’t be put off by the steep slope that welcomes you on your journey! The path ascends steeply, but you should take it easy: it is a brief stretch that will reward your efforts shortly. To catch your breath, look for the ruins of the Chapel of San Xoán, and enjoy the beautiful views of the landscape to your left.

Leave the chapel behind to pass through the breathtaking woods on a simple but beautifully winding road that combines stunning views with a great variety of trees and vegetation.

The Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil suddenly rises up before you when you least expect it.  At first, your walk will be watched over by the evocative woodlands. As you get nearer, the Monastery reveals its impressive lines. When you reach the parador, don’t be shy and stay by the door! Come inside and take some refreshments in the comfort of these historical and artistic surroundings.

Once you have taken a well-deserved break and discovered all the hidden corners of Santo Estevo, you can continue on your path above the Monastery thanks to the steps that you can find opposite the main entrance. Near here there is a detour off the main route that allows you to get to know how the sequieros work, the traditional drying houses used to dry chestnuts for their storage. It is a short and pleasant detour, well worth taking.

Once you are in the woods again, keep descending towards the river where you will find a truly charming waterfall, diminutive and gentle. Woods and history live side by side on this route in the chestnut trees worked by humans over the course of centuries, the crumbling drying houses and cabins, the ruins of the Chapel of San Xoán, and – of course – the Monastery of Santo Estevo.

In Parada do Sil we find a route that brings together all the delights of the Ribeira Sacra. The well-signposted PR G 98 starts and finishes in plaza del Barquillero. This square owes its name to the many young people who emigrated from Parada do Sil to Madrid, where they made their living by selling barquillos or wafers in its parks and malls. In the central square of the town, which features a statue to honour those emigrants, we can find the start of our route. An information panel gives you all the information you need to ensure you get the most out of the experience.

Don’t miss it!

The route takes the shape of a figure of eight, meaning that you can choose the complete walk of some 18 km or choose from two loops: one measuring 8.5 km and the other, 10 km. We recommend the stretch that descends to the Monastery of Santa Cristina, an unmissable visit in this county.

Whether you take on the whole route or one of its loops, you will find one of the best short routes in Galicia. Apart from its beauty, the variety of landscapes and historical and cultural sites, we should add the impeccable signposting and generally good maintenance of the route, which allow you to get to know one of the most emblematic areas of the Sil canyons. 

Bidueiral de Montederramo can be accessed at different places, since there are no marked routes as yet. We propose a direct route. Nevertheless, it is important that you plan properly, because this is a long route and not as simple as others since it is not signposted. Before venturing into the woods, we recommend that you visit the tourist office in Montederramo, where you will find information on the woods, different routes, and so on.

The option we propose begins in the village of A Mogainza. From there you take a dirt track for the first 6 km which is unsuitable for vehicles. This track will take you to the starting point of the circular path. It is essential that you take a map to avoid getting lost among the many roads and firebreaks that are scattered around the area. The path approaches the peaks of the mountain range, but always within the woodland. It passes through As Pereiras, Campo do Cabezo de Lata, Campo da Cruz and Campo da Vermella, leading you back to our starting point once more. From here you will need to walk the 6 km of dirt track again to reach A Mogainza.

Please note: the characteristics of this route, the distances involved and the low difficulty of the roads make this route ideal for mountain bikers. Enjoy!