Ames: Trails, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Ames offers a range of ways to explore the area: hiking trails with different route profiles, traces of its former milling industry, wetlands and cultural routes. When planning a stay, you can first decide whether you want to focus mainly on the landscape, cultural heritage or hiking.

Hiking trails with different route profiles

The Ruta de Riamonte is a 7 km circular trail of moderate difficulty. The 12 km Senda Verde offers a different type of route: it is linear and connects O Milladoiro with Bertamiráns. It is also considered moderately difficult. Comparing the two makes the differences in length and route clear: one is a circular trail, while the other is a longer connection between two places. Along the Senda Verde, you can start or leave the trail at several points.

The Ruta do rego dos Pasos has a different character. It runs along the left bank of the stream and can be explored on foot. The trail is very flat and easy to walk; within a few minutes, it takes you from the urban environment into the natural surroundings. Thus, the trails described differ not only in length and route, but also in their individual profiles.

Mills, viewpoints and wetlands

The Riamonte mills are set in a riverside woodland among pools and small cascades. Historically, they operated throughout the summer using water held back in the Pozo. They were also part of a way of life organised around the community. The site therefore combines a distinctive landscape with the former use of water and the social organisation surrounding the mills.

The Mirador do Monte de San Marcos offers a broad panorama: at an elevation of 343 metres, it overlooks the valley of the Sar River and the surrounding comarca. Nature enthusiasts will find further points of interest in the wetlands. As Punxeiras Baixas is part of the Natura 2000 network and serves as a breeding or resting area for numerous birds. The Brañas de A Devesa form an important biodiversity reserve and are among the few Galician wetlands that have not yet been drained. The viewpoint and wetlands thus offer different perspectives on the landscape of Ames.

Archaeology, architectural history and pilgrimage routes

The Castro de Piñeiro is considered one of the largest hillforts in A Maía. The construction history of the Pazo de Lens probably dates back to the late 15th or early 16th century; in the 18th century, the building was renovated and expanded. The two sites offer access to different periods: the castro represents archaeological heritage, while the pazo has a construction history spanning several centuries.

Several pilgrimage and cultural routes also pass through Ames. The Camino Real de Santiago a Fisterra-Muxía runs through the municipality. The final stage of the Camino Portugués from Padrón to Santiago also passes through Ames. The Ruta de Rosalía de Castro runs through Ames, Brión, Padrón and Santiago along the Sar River and follows the route marked by Avelino Abuín de Tembra. Each of these routes offers different cultural connections; their routes should not be considered identical.

A culinary event in Ortoño

The Festa do chourizo ao viño in Ortoño held its 20th edition in 2026 on Sunday, 12 July. The tasting featured chorizo cooked in wine and served with cachelos, as well as boiled pig’s ear. Local festival culture is also part of the picture of Ames; the date given refers to this edition and is not an indication of a future event.

When planning your trip, you can therefore choose what to focus on in Ames: trails and landscape, nature watching, archaeological and architectural heritage, or pilgrimage and cultural routes.

Discover more destinations: Guitiriz, Beres, Carnota, O Mesón Do Vento, Artes, Sedor, Carral, Paizás

For the broader travel overview: Coruña.