Inland. San Rosendo Nature Trail. Celanova - Ourense section

The route begins in the Plaza Mayor of Celanova, opposite the Benedictine monastery of San Rosendo, and ends in the Roman-medieval bridge in Ourense. From Celanova, the Trail first leads to Vilanova dos Infantes, whose late Middle Age tower can be seen in the distance. The compact and well-preserved town centre around the tower is worth a visit. It is also advisable to visit the centre inside the tower with an exhibit on the most significant landmarks of County Celanova. Spectacular views of the surrounding area can be seen from the upper terrace.

The route continues through the settlements of Carfaxiño and Viveiro before arriving at the River Arnoia, near Barxiña. A recreation area next to the river provides a place to rest. The Trail continues along the left bank, under a canopy of alders (Alnus glutinosa), oaks (Quercus robur), ashes (Fraxinus sp.) and willows (Salix sp.), accompanied by the constant murmur of water, to a granite bridge that goes to the opposite bank.

The middle of the bridge is the best place to view the noisy rush of the water that falls from a 3-metre high “caneiro” situated upstream, where the water for the Varela mill, at the end of the bridge, is stored.

The route runs uphill from here to the town Aulfe, which can be seen to the right, and continues along a forest track that leads to the Marian sanctuary of Nosa Señora das Marabillas. The only decorative element of this simple baroque church is its façade framed by pilasters.

To the left of the church, the route heads towards the village of Parderrubias, where the traveller may visit the parish church of Santa Olaia with a neoclassical façade. Further on lies the hamlet of Nigueiroá. To the left of the road is a group of “hórreos”, empty today of grain. The “hórreos” are the symbol of a land of plenty that has modernised and diversified its crops.

Leaving Nigueiroá behind, the route makes its way through Covelas and O Couso towards Loiro, crossing several streams - Seixas, Ruxidoiro and Porto. It passes through hardwood and pine forests to reach Loiro. At the edge of the village, to the right, is the church of San Martiño. This Romanesque temple may be visited while resting before continuing with the journey. Although rural depopulation is all too evident, Loiro is a fine example of a Galician town that is well worth a visit.

Back on the Trail, the route passes near the villages of Alen and Sobrado do Bispo on its way towards Enfestada, where the small chapel of San Roque can be found to the right. The Bishop of Ourense formerly vacationed in the latter. The route traverses the entire Regato de Santa Olaia River Valley on its way to Moreiras and As Airas. Dense vegetation, including strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo), covers this area.

Finally, the route continues up the opposite side of the valley by road and forest trail to the town of Barbadás, which forms a geographical spur between two valleys. Leaving Barbadás behind, the route winds into the valley via Os Rosales neighbourhood to Soutolongo Brook. After crossing the brook, a dense riparian forest of alders covers the right bank of the river until its confluence with San Benito Brook.

Both brooks meet here to form the Barbadás River, along which a riverside walk runs until it joins the Rio Barbaña. From here, the route continues until it ends at the medieval Roman bridge over the river Miño. The riverside walk passes through several Ourense neighbourhoods, including Laxas, O Polvorín or Os Remedios. After completing the route, it is possible to enjoy a rest in the As Burgas hot springs, whose medicinal waters are recommended for skin diseases, rheumatism and arthritis.