Lush forests, enchanting footpaths and ethnographic heritage offer a unique experience for walkers, with breathtaking views and a rich local history.

The west bank of the Miño in Lugo is, for the time being, the least well-known of the two banks of the city’s great river. We say ‘for now’ because the potential for walking and leisure activities throughout this area is truly fabulous. Woodlands, idyllic footpaths and ethnographic heritage — amongst other things — will captivate you at first sight. ROUTE We’ll start this route at a symbolic spot: the San Lázaro footbridge. One of the most modern bridges over the Miño in Lugo, it’s pedestrian-only and deeply romantic. It also serves as a link between two places of great interest: the old Fábrica da Luz and the San Lázaro monumental complex. We suggest starting the route on the east bank to symbolically cross from one side to the other, but you can begin the route on either side. The first major point of interest on the itinerary is right at the start: the historic complex of San Lázaro, which we have already mentioned and which, together with the Roman Bridge, is the greatest symbol of this great neighbourhood of Lugo: A Ponte. It comprises a former hospital, a cemetery and an 18th-century church, although the earliest references to this site date back to the 12th century. We’ll walk straight on and follow the Primitive Way in the opposite direction until we reach the Roman Bridge (which dates back to the 1st century). After crossing it, we’ll continue along the riverbank, passing the Caneiro do Muíño and, shortly after the Ponte Branca (Lugo’s most modern bridge), we’ll enter the spectacular trail that is the highlight of this innovative route. Frequented by fishermen, the paths we’re walking along today lead us to Santalla de Cuíña, one of the most unique parishes in the municipality. We’ll be amazed by the lush, untamed vegetation (very different from other riverside walks) and, above all, by some narrow, winding sections that will make us feel as though we’re in a film or a magical tale. The halfway point of our route will be as we pass the church of Santalla, where we’ll find this fascinating information on a noticeboard: ‘According to historians, this parish was home to the ancient monastery of Santalla de Fingoi, founded in the mid-10th century by Eidoncia or Aldonza Gundesindiz, sister of the wealthy Countess Paterna de Présaras. The name lives on in the parish’s patron saint and in the village of Santalla; the place name Fingoi has been lost in this parish, but it survives on the other side of the Miño, in what is now the southern part of the city of Lugo.” What do you think? It’s a story that’s largely unknown to many residents of Lugo, and one we hope to bring to light. The second part of the route will first take us along the Cuíña road, where we’ll need to be careful and take the necessary precautions when walking along any path, but the route will remain just as spectacular. We should particularly make the most of the scenery offered by the higher altitude compared to the first section. Once we reach the old Santiago road, we’ll head down to the Pontegaos turn-off. We’ll take this route and come across this beautiful, picturesque traditional village, from where we can also enjoy stunning views of ‘new Lugo’ to the south of the city. Once we reach the old A Ponte street, we’ll turn left onto it and head straight up until we reach the aforementioned woods and the incredible views towards the Miño. This is a place where the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation truly comes into its own. In these woods, we can enjoy nature and make the most of magnificent photo opportunities, such as those offering views of the Cathedral and the centre of Lugo. After crossing the woods, when we reach a small tarmac road, we should turn right downhill towards the San Lázaro monumental complex.