Incio: Discover trails by the water and cultural heritage

Incio offers a variety of options for a stay: trails by the water, viewpoints, archaeological remains and churches with a long history. The routes differ considerably in length and theme. You can plan your trip according to whether you prefer a shorter route by the reservoir or longer trails with views and historical heritage.

Routes between the reservoir, rivers and mountains

The signposted Ruta de Vilasouto is a 3.6-kilometre walking route with a low level of difficulty. Wooden boardwalks accompany the trail along much of the shore of the Embalse de Vilasouto, and there are also several recreation areas. Swimming, fishing, cycling and children's games are possible along the route. The reservoir lies between Monte Agudo and Pena Furada. The route brings together a lakeside landscape and a range of leisure activities.

The Ruta de Trascastro is about five kilometres long and runs between A Ferrería and Trascastro. It passes old mills on the banks of the Cabe and Antigua rivers and the Castro de Igresario archaeological site in Trascastro. The route thus combines a river landscape with traces of earlier settlement. Length is also useful when comparing the trails: Trascastro is longer than the 3.6-kilometre Ruta de Vilasouto, although no difficulty level is specified for Trascastro.

The Ruta de Eirexalba starts and ends in Vilarreguengo-Eirexalba and is about 11.7 kilometres long. The starting point is the 18th-century church of Santo Estevo de Eirexalba. From there, the route heads towards Vilarreguenga along the Embalse de Vilasouto. It includes the Mirador del Monte Eirexalba, at an elevation of 585 metres. The Ruta del Hierro is slightly longer, at about 12.6 kilometres, and runs between A Ferrería and Biduedo; it includes the Pena Escrita and Pena do Chao viewpoints, as well as numerous old iron ore mines.

Viewpoints and traces of mining

The PR-G 225 Ruta do Ferro starts at Pena do Chao, a rocky area with a petroglyph and a viewpoint overlooking the valley of the Antigua and Cabe rivers. The iron ore mines of Cova do Avión, Cova da Tinta and Cova do Couso lie along the trail. The route runs along the northern slopes of Pico de Santa Bárbara, A Boibela and Penedo do Campo; all three mountains are higher than 1,000 metres. The interiors of the mines may not be entered without permission.

The Pena do Chao petroglyph consists of a group of circular, hemispherical cup marks carved into the rock. A municipal visitor information notice from 2024 mentions several benches at the viewpoint, an explanatory panel about the petroglyphs and a reclined bench for stargazing. This makes the site interesting for travellers who want to combine viewing archaeological rock carvings with a view of the river valley.

Waterfalls also shape the landscape. The Fervenza de San Pedro do Incio can be reached from the church of San Pedro de O Incio and drops about four metres at the Embalse de San Pedro. The Antigua River runs underground in places and resurfaces near its main waterfall. To reach the Fervenza do Río Antigua, leave the car in San Miguel and walk down to the river.

Churches, traditions and local culture

The Iglesia de San Pedro Fiz de Hospital is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem built it in the late 12th or early 13th century; the order was later known as the Order of Malta. The church was built largely of marble and its façade features striking shades of blue. It is also on a historic variant of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago, which linked the French Way with the Winter Way.

In A Ferrería de Incio, houses stand on rocks; the settlement also includes the Balneario, which is currently being renovated, and the 15th-century Pazo da Ferrería. In Buxán, the Museo da Pedra displays works by Álvaro Pereiro and finds from local castros, including a millstone and fragments of an axe. Also in Buxán, the climbing area has 52 climbing routes.

The Feira de Artesanía y Productos de la Tierra features craft stalls and workshops for all age groups. Food stalls selling local products such as honey and cheese are also part of the event. In A Cervela, traditional dances have been performed for more than 500 years in honour of Saint Lucy. Together, these places and customs give the trip a cultural focus alongside its routes.

Discover more destinations: Sabenche, Lourenzá, Cervo, Chavín, Palas De Rei, Valbón, Meira, Baleira.

For the broader travel overview: Lugo.