Footbridges of the river Mao: the heart of Ribeira Sacra

At the junction of the provinces of Lugo and Ourense lie the Mao River footbridgeslocated in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, a natural area with landscapes that seem to be made with a particular brushstroke technique. 

The Mao River Footbridges have a length of approximately one kilometre that you can do with your family on an out-of-the-ordinary Sunday walk. Put on your trainers and let's get to know one of the most impressive places in Galicia.

The Mao River Footbridges: natural charm steeped in history 

In 1918, the flow of the river Mao was a source of energy for nearby communities and even Ourense and Monforte, due to the fact that the old hydroelectric power station was located at its epicentre. Fábrica Da Luzwhich used a network of endogenous pipes that produced electricity. 

At present, the Fábrica Da Luz has become a tourist site, with a hostel and canteen, where visitors can learn a little more about the diversity of the fauna and flora that exists on the footbridges of the Mao River, belonging to Parada de Sil, a Galician municipality of rural charm that you should get to know in depth if you are a nature lover. 

Right at the gates of what used to be the hydroelectric plant is the pedestrian walkway over the footbridges, which were built at a height of three metres and will test your vertigo. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes if you're not in a hurry, so take your camera with you to immortalise your memories of your time in Galicia. 

If your spirit is more adventurous, you can finish the tour on the footbridges of the Mao River to enter into the long route (PRG-177 ) comprising some 16 kilometres lengths that will take you to small but charming towns such as Barxacova, A Miranda and Forcas, The abundant forest has become home to species such as foxes, rabbits and wild boars, but we can already tell you that it will be very difficult for your eyes to catch them. 

If you also cross the river Mao and take another route, the PRG 224, you can reach A Teixeira., a remote village from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Sil Canyon, a rock formation that leaves anyone stunned with its beauty full of character.

Ribeira Sacra tastes like wine

A curious fact about the Sil Canyon is that there are hundreds of peasants in the surrounding area, who produce the Spain's best grape harvestsThe fertile soil of the Ribeira Sacra provides all the conditions for harvesting this delicious product.

Thanks to the cultivation of grapes, A Teixeira is the ideal town to visit if you are a wine tasting enthusiast. There are several wineries where you can buy the artisanal product that will delight your taste buds between bitter and sweet. Among them are Adega Vella and CachínThe rooms have privileged views of spectacular vineyards.

Adega Vella has an extension of 10 hectares of cultivation that visitors can see, in part, thanks to the package offered by the company through its website. After the tour, you can taste the most outstanding products such as Embruxo 2018, Lembranzas Brancellao, Adega Vella 2018 and Mencia 988.

The Ribeira Sacra tastes like wine, as evidenced by the products of Bodega Cachin, which has a modern fermentation plant that you can visit as long as you make a reservation. Among its most marketed bottles are the Peza Do Reirecognised worldwide as one of the best in Spain.

Another way of getting to know the river

Another way in which you can get to know the beauty of the Mao and Sil rivers is through the catamarans which offer various tour packages, which are well worth purchasing. Among the tours are the Sto Estevo route, El Cañón del Sil and another to the more extensive Cañón del Sil, with a price ranging between 12 and 15 euros, depending on the distances covered.

If you are looking for more action you can cross part of the Ribeira Sacra with your bike. on dirt roads that are suitable for it. Bear in mind that it should be mountain bike, have wheels in good condition and not have been used for too long to make your trip a great experience. In summer with the high temperatures you can take a bath on the banks of the Mao river.

Ribeira Sacra, Cañones del Sil / Photo: locuig (Pixabay)