Greetings, kindred spirits and fellow adventurers! As I sit down to embark on this virtual odyssey through the past ten months of my life, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the diverse landscapes, unexpected challenges, and pure magic that each route has unfolded. Join me as I take you on a deeply personal exploration, recounting the stories, the lessons, and the unspoken beauty that has marked this incredible journey.
January – Camiño Real de San Pedro de Rocas, Esgos, Ourense
January ushered in a new year, and with it, the promise of adventure. Wrapped in the cool embrace of winter, I found myself at the starting point of the PR-G 4 Camiño Real de San Pedro de Rocas in Esgos, Ourense. This mystical route, shrouded in the mists of history, unveiled a world where time seemed to dance to the rhythm of ancient footsteps.
As I traced the Camiño Real, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the granite wonders that adorned the path. Ancient monasteries, weathered by centuries of tales and whispers, stood as silent sentinels against the backdrop of Galicia’s rich cultural tapestry. Each step felt like a communion with the spirits of those who had walked these sacred grounds before me.
The beauty of this route lies not just in its physicality but in its ability to transport you to a realm where the present and the past seamlessly intertwine. It became a journey not just through landscapes but through the annals of time, leaving me with a profound sense of connection to the roots of Galician heritage.
February – Ruta dos Chozos, Fornelos de Montes, Pontevedra
February brought a different flavor to my wanderlust—a delightful rendezvous with canine companions on the Ruta dos Chozos in Fornelos de Montes, Pontevedra. In the company of Lendi and her humans, the route became a joyous celebration of friendship, shared exploration, and the simple pleasures of nature.
The stone chozos, scattered like ancient watchtowers across the landscape, seemed to echo with the laughter of shepherds from centuries past. As Lendi, our furry guide, pranced ahead, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the ability to share these moments of discovery with such loyal companions.
Beyond the charming chozos, the route unfolded like a storybook, each turn revealing a new chapter in the narrative of Galicia’s rural beauty. This experience became a testament to the transformative power of nature and companionship—a reminder that the true essence of exploration lies not just in the destination but in the bonds forged along the way.
March – Ruta da Castaña e do Mel, A Pobra do Brollón, Lugo
March dawned with a mix of anticipation and solemnity as I set foot on the PR-G 236 Ruta da Castaña e do Mel in A Pobra do Brollón, Lugo. The recent scars of wildfires added a layer of complexity to the journey, turning the landscape into a canvas of both devastation and regeneration.
Navigating through the charred remnants of the forest, I witnessed the resilience of nature in its rawest form. Amidst the blackened trunks, vibrant green shoots emerged, signaling a silent pact between the earth and the elements to heal and renew. This route became a living testimony to the cyclical nature of life, where destruction paves the way for rebirth.
The chestnut groves, once vibrant with the promise of autumn harvests, now carried the weight of solemnity. Yet, as I walked beneath their boughs, I felt a sense of hope—a recognition that even in the face of adversity, nature finds a way to regenerate and thrive. This journey through scorched landscapes became a poignant reminder of the intricate dance between destruction and renewal that defines the natural world.
April – Roteiro de Donón, O Hío, Cangas do Morrazo, Pontevedra
April brought me back to familiar trails, yet the Roteiro de Donón in O Hío, Cangas do Morrazo, Pontevedra, felt like an old friend with new stories to tell. This segment of the renowned Camiño dos Faros never fails to evoke a sense of awe, and revisiting its coastal wonders was akin to rediscovering the timeless allure of Galicia’s rugged shoreline.
The salty breeze, carrying whispers of tales untold, greeted me as I walked along the cliffs that cradle the Atlantic. The rhythmic symphony of waves crashing against the rocks and the panoramic views of the open sea painted a portrait of unbridled beauty. The Roteiro de Donón, with its dramatic vistas, became a reminder that some journeys, no matter how familiar, are meant to be revisited and celebrated anew.
Each step felt like a dialogue with the elements—an exchange of stories between the land and the sea. As the coastal cliffs revealed hidden coves and windswept panoramas, I found myself immersed in a narrative that transcended time. The Camiño dos Faros, through its ever-changing landscapes, spoke to the eternal dance between the elements that define Galicia’s coastal allure.
May – Ruta do Río Gorgua y Esmoriz, Padrenda, Ourense
May unfolded with the promise of rejuvenation as I traced the Ruta do Río Gorgua y Esmoriz in Padrenda, Ourense. Spring, in all its resplendent glory, transformed the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of colors, fragrances, and the gentle murmur of flowing water.
The journey along the riverbanks became a celebration of life in its myriad forms. Verdant meadows, adorned with wildflowers, beckoned me to linger and soak in the ephemeral beauty of spring. The symphony of birdsong accompanied my footsteps, creating a harmonious soundtrack to the unfolding narrative of nature’s awakening.
Navigating the twists and turns of the river, I encountered hidden waterfalls and secluded alcoves, each unveiling a secret corner of paradise. The repetitive rhythm of my steps, accompanied by the gentle gurgle of the river, became a meditative dance—a communion with the pulse of the natural world. The Ruta do Río Gorgua y Esmoriz emerged as a testament to the cyclical nature of seasons, where each turn in the path revealed a new facet of the intricate dance between time and nature.
June – Circular por la Isla de Ons, Pontevedra
June, a month of indecision amid an abundance of options, led me to the enchanting Circular por la Isla de Ons in Pontevedra. The allure of exploring Ons Island for the first time held a promise of discovery, and the journey unfolded like a tale spun by the island’s ancient landscapes.
The ferry ride to Ons set the stage for the adventure that awaited—an island embraced by the Atlantic, where cliffs and coves held the secrets of maritime tales. The Circular route, weaving through heathlands and coastal paths, became a dance with the untamed beauty of Galicia’s maritime sanctuary.
Ons, with its pristine beaches and windswept vistas, cast a spell that left an indelible mark on my soul. The vibrant hues of wildflowers, the panoramic views of the ocean, and the rugged charm of the island unfolded like a vivid painting. Each step felt like a communion with the essence of Ons—a place where the whispers of the sea and the ancient stones echoed through time.
July – Ruta del Desfiladero de las Xanas, Santo Adriano, Asturias
July beckoned me to the majestic landscapes of Asturias, where the PR.AS-187 Ruta del Desfiladero de las Xanas in Santo Adriano awaited. The gorge, carved by the Xanas River, presented a mesmerizing blend of natural grandeur and winding pathways.
The Desfiladero de las Xanas, a geological masterpiece, unfolded with each step, revealing towering cliffs and ancient bridges. The river’s rhythmic flow created a sensory symphony, and the winding paths felt like a journey through the very veins of the earth. The rock formations, weathered by time, became a canvas for imagination, where ancient tales seemed to be etched into the very soul of the landscape.
As I traversed the gorge, I felt a profound sense of humility—a recognition of nature’s ability to shape landscapes that transcend human comprehension. The Desfiladero de las Xanas became a metaphor for the relentless flow of time, where every twist and turn in the route spoke to the forces that have sculpted our planet over eons.
August – Ruta da Meigha Lirea, Cee, A Coruña
August invited me to the coastal wonders of Cee, A Coruña, where the Ruta da Meigha Lirea unfolded—a harmonious blend of rugged cliffs, coastal panoramas, and the ever-present murmur of the Atlantic. This route, a refreshing interlude in the midst of summer, became a dialogue between the land and the sea.
The scent of salty air mingled with the fragrance of wildflowers as I walked along the cliffs. The coastal paths, etched into the rugged landscape, revealed sweeping views of the Atlantic, where the horizon seemed to stretch into infinity. Each step felt like a poetic conversation, where the land whispered tales of maritime adventures and ancient seafaring traditions.
The Ruta da Meigha Lirea, with its panoramic vistas and ever-changing seascapes, became a canvas for introspection. As the waves crashed against the rocks below, I found solace in the timeless rhythm of the sea—an eternal dance that transcends the boundaries of time. This coastal journey unfolded as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between the elements and the profound sense of tranquility that nature imparts.
September – Camiño Vello de Aldosende, Paradela, Lugo
September brought me to Paradela, Lugo, where the PR-G 249 Camiño Vello de Aldosende revealed itself as a hidden gem. This route, discovered without preconceived expectations, became a journey through bucolic landscapes and the unexpected treasures hidden within.
The Camiño Vello de Aldosende winds through quaint hamlets and ancient pathways, each step uncovering the rural tapestry of Galicia. The absence of expectations allowed me to immerse myself fully in the present moment, where the beauty of simplicity and the joy of discovery became the guiding forces of the journey.
As I walked through sun-dappled meadows and shaded woodland paths, the route became a canvas for introspection. The whispering leaves and the distant sounds of rural life painted a tranquil backdrop, inviting me to embrace the beauty of serendipity. The Camiño Vello de Aldosende emerged as a reminder that sometimes, the most profound journeys are those unplanned, where the heart leads and the trail unfolds in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the land.
October – Senda do Lérez, Pontevedra
As October unfolds, the Senda do Lérez in Pontevedra takes center stage. With eager anticipation and a desire to complete this route in its entirety, it has already left an imprint on my soul. The blend of lush landscapes and historical whispers sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of this captivating trail.
The Senda do Lérez, following the course of the river, introduces a harmonious interplay between nature and history. As I traverse its pathways, I am greeted by the vibrant hues of autumn, each leaf carrying a tale of transition and transformation. The journey through Pontevedra’s natural sanctuary promises a symphony of colors, sounds, and emotions.
Epilogue: A Tapestry Woven with Inspiration
Reflecting on these 10 months, each route has been a thread in the tapestry of my adventures. They have not only tested my physical limits but also nourished my spirit with the diverse beauty our planet has to offer. From mystical trails to canine companions, from resilience in the face of adversity to the revelation of hidden gems, each route has been a source of inspiration.
As I recount these experiences, I’m reminded that the spirit of exploration transcends the physical act of walking a trail. It’s about embracing the unknown, forging connections with nature, and fostering a deep appreciation for the world around us. May these routes inspire you to embark on your own adventures, to discover the magic that lies within the great outdoors
So here’s to 10 months of spirited exploration, and to the countless adventures that lie ahead. May the trails be ever enticing, the landscapes ever captivating, and the spirit of adventure forever alive. Until our paths cross again, happy wandering, fellow adventurers!
