New hiking Route Opens in Spain’s Valdeorras, Boosting Tourism and heritage Preservation
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A new seven-kilometer hiking route through the Bibei Canyon in O Bolo, Spain, officially opened on Saturday, signaling a significant investment in nature tourism and the preservation of the region’s unique cultural landscape.The inauguration coincided with a second hiking activity as part of the “Percorre Valdeorras” program, demonstrating a concerted effort to attract visitors to the Valdeorras region.
The Bibei Canyon route, designed for intermediate hikers, follows restored conventional paths, winding through chestnut groves and terraced vineyards with stunning views of the Bibei River canyon. According to a local councilor, the path aims to highlight the area’s landscape heritage and promote outdoor activities.
Reviving Ancient Pathways and Local heritage
The newly opened trail connects the villages of Tuxe and As Ermitas, offering a linear route that began with a bus transfer from the sanctuary at as Ermitas to the starting point in Tuxe. Participants initially traversed the area surrounding the Tuxe wineries, known for their annual festivals. The route also passes near the remains of the Teixeira Bridge, a historic wooden structure that once linked O Bolo with the vineyards of Manzaneda.
“It has been abandoned for about 80 years and linked Tuxe and Cambela to the Chao do Castro vineyards that were in the municipality of Manzaneda,” explained a councilor of Son O bolo, detailing the bridge’s past significance.Plans are already underway to collaborate with the Manzaneda City Council to potentially incorporate the bridge remains into a circular route, further expanding the trail’s appeal.
A dual Festivity of Hiking and Wine Culture
Saturday’s launch wasn’t limited to the Bibei Canyon route. A second hiking activity, part of the “Percorre Valdeorras” program, also took place, focusing on the region’s rich wine culture. Led by Keto Anjaparidze, the tour primarily attracted visitors from the province of ourense, and included guided visits to the Sanctuary of the Hermitages and the Castelo de O Bolo.
Following the hike, participants enjoyed lunch at the A Capilla de O Bolo restaurant, followed by an afternoon excursion to the Ponte da Cigarrosa, the Nerva milestone in petín, and a visit to the Quinta de la Peza winery. The day concluded with refreshments at the Seadur Rectory and a leisurely walk around the grounds. This event followed a similar route on October 11th, exploring the Camiño de Inverno and local wineries.
Beyond Hiking: archaeological Discoveries and Cultural Preservation
The Council’s commitment extends beyond hiking trails. Ongoing archaeological excavations at O Seixo have uncovered the only traditional ceramic pottery site excavated in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, further enriching the region’s cultural tapestry.
The mayor, Miguel Ángel García, emphasized the municipality’s wealth of natural spaces and the growing interest in outdoor activities, stating on Radio valdeorras Onda Cero that this is the first of several routes planned to establish O Bolo as a premier hiking destination. These initiatives demonstrate a holistic approach to tourism, uniting nature, culture, and heritage.The success of Saturday’s events confirms a
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