Autumn paints Spain in unique hues. The summer heat fades, but the thirst for discovery remains, making this season the perfect time for hiking, especially in the ever-green northern regions. Galicia, with its misty landscapes and ancient legends, offers countless paths to explore. One of these, hidden from glossy tourist brochures, provides truly unforgettable experiences and allows for complete immersion in the atmosphere of this distinctive land.
A Journey into the Past Along the Millers’ Trail
The adventure begins in the small parish of Samieira, which belongs to the municipality of Poio in the province of Pontevedra. Here, from Alfredo Romaya Square, starts the route known as “Ruta de los Muiños.” It’s more than just a walk through the woods—it’s a dive into the industrial and social past of the region. The trail winds along the riverbank, where 23 old watermills have been preserved, each with its own story.
Some of these structures have been carefully restored by local enthusiasts and their wooden wheels once again turn under the flow of water, serving as living monuments to a bygone era. Others appear as picturesque ruins, swallowed by moss and ivy. Their stone walls seem to still hold the echoes of conversations between millers who toiled here day and night. This chain of buildings forms a kind of open-air museum, showcasing the ingenuity and the challenging rural life of centuries past.
In harmony with nature: river and forest
The gentle murmur of the Freiría river will accompany you throughout the entire journey. Its name, which translates as ‘the monk’s river,’ comes from a local legend. It is said that long ago, a nobleman renounced his titles to become a hermit and built a small hermitage at the river’s source. Although nothing remains of the building itself, the name became firmly attached to the river, adding a touch of mystery to the landscape.
The trail winds through a dense forest dominated by oaks and chestnut trees. In autumn, the ground is covered with a golden and crimson carpet of fallen leaves, and the air is filled with the tangy scent of damp earth and decaying wood. This lush, quintessentially Galician landscape gives a sense of complete seclusion and escape from the bustle of modern life, allowing your thoughts to flow as smoothly as the river’s waters.
An ideal route for the whole family
One of the main advantages of this route is its accessibility. The trail is only a few kilometers long, and its difficulty level is minimal, making it an excellent choice for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s perfect for a family outing in nature or a leisurely walk with friends. It’s important to remember that, in the past, these mills were not just places of work—they were vital social centers.
Here, families from all around the area would gather while waiting for their grain to be milled, exchanging news, sharing stories, and singing songs. Long hours of work, often stretching late into the night, helped forge strong community bonds and became the source of local folklore. Today, walking this path lets you connect with that spirit of togetherness, enjoying life’s simple pleasures amid stunning natural surroundings. It’s a perfect chance to unplug from digital devices and recharge before returning to daily routines.
