A Pontenova: Railway History, Trails and Heritage

A Pontenova brings together visible traces of its industrial past, routes that follow former railway and mining paths, and rivers and woodland landscapes.

Industrial History and Craftsmanship

The blast furnaces preserved in the town centre bear witness to A Pontenova’s industrial past. The Hornos de Vilaoudriz consist of five truncated-cone chimneys. Each is 11 metres high and 4 metres wide; minerals were processed in the furnaces. The town’s history also includes a centuries-old tradition of skilled ironworking.

Another reminder of this past is the Ferrería de Bogo, also known as the Ferrería de Vilaboa. The Ruta de As Reigadas ends at this forge, founded in 1534 by the Hidalgo Pedro de Miranda. Its facilities include a small holding pond with a waterfall and a channel that diverts river water to the Banzado. The complex also includes a forge with a hammer and bellows, as well as a small power station.

The Aula de interpretación de la pesca de salmónidos is located on the second floor of the tourist information centre. It displays materials on fishing for salmon, trout and sea trout. It also houses the most important collection of “riscos” in Galicia.

Architectural details are also part of A Pontenova’s heritage. In the parish of Xudán, a building has two coats of arms side by side, with inscriptions dating from 1583. It has three towers, including two octagonal towers from the 16th century, as well as a chapel dating from 1764 and a granary.

Railway Trails and Mining

The former A Pontenova railway station now serves as a tourist information centre and is the starting point of the Ruta del Ferrocarril del Río Eo. The Ruta do Ferrocarril follows the former course of a railway line that connected the iron ore mines of Vilaoudriz, now A Pontenova, with the loading point at Porto Estreito, at the entrance to the Ría de Ribadeo. The route is almost flat: over more than 12 kilometres, the total elevation gain is just 20 metres. It is suitable for walkers and cyclists.

One third of the original railway line, which was almost 33 kilometres long, has been restored as a greenway. The path runs between the former “Villaodrid” station, now A Pontenova’s tourist information centre, and “San Tirso” station. The figures for the length and elevation gain give you two concrete points of reference for comparing this route with other attractions in the area.

The Ruta das Minas also follows the area’s mining history: it passes the “Vieiro”, “Eneas”, “Consuelo” and “Boulloso” mine galleries, and runs parallel to the River Turía for much of its length. The Tirolina das Minas – Mina Consuelo – Ruta dos Fornos experience includes a zip-line ride, admission to the Mina Consuelo and an engaging explanation of the local mining history.

Waterfalls, Woodland and River Landscapes

The Ruta da Férrea leads to the A Férrea waterfall in the Muradal forest, near the built-up area of A Pontenova. It consists of two cascades, each approximately 7 to 8 metres high. The lower waterfall can be reached by car to within 300 metres. The details about the waterfall thus differ in both height and the access described.

The Ruta de As Reigadas follows the River Reigadas and several of its tributaries, including the Bounote. It leads into the heart of the Fraga de As Reigadas, one of Europe’s most important and best-preserved Atlantic forests. The route is within the Río Eo, Oscos e Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2007, and is included in the Carballido SCI.

Along the River Eo as it flows through A Pontenova, there are several river beaches and designated areas for picnics, family days out and relaxation. These riverside recreation areas complement the themes of industry and historic trails without requiring another route.

Fishing and Events

The Festa da Troita has been held every year on 1 May since 1978. Competitions in salmon fishing and fly fishing take centre stage on the River Eo. Baixeo, by contrast, is a non-competitive summer descent along a stretch of the Eo. Participants use boats and floating craft they have built themselves. At the finish in the Pozo da Ola recreational area, visitors can sample the traditional dessert Gran Faragull-Eo.

Another recurring event is the Feria de Antigüedades y Artesanía de A Pontenova. It takes place every year during the Spanish Constitution Day holiday and brings together antiques and demonstrations of traditional crafts. These include wooden clog making, basket weaving, decorative painting and ironworking. If you are planning your trip around one of these events, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: A Pobra do Brollón, Chao De Pousadoiro, Sober, Vilar, Baleira, Chavín, Antas De Ulla, Castro De Rei

For the main travel overview: Lugo.