Itinerary part of the lower Taramundi area and advances towards Mazonovowhere the Mills Museum is located, one of the first points of interest. From there, the route gradually gains altitude, passes by the hamlet of A Granda and crosses the Turia River, entering a native forest of chestnut and alder trees which gives the path a damp, fresh, and very pleasant feel. This combination of trail, water, and trees is one of the keys to the route's appeal.
One of the most striking detours leads to Salgueira waterfallAn optional stop that adds charm to the journey. In summer it may have little water, but it's still worthwhile for the surroundings. Further on, it appears The Skies, a small rural village where you can also visit an ethnographic museum with traditional tools and implements from the region.
Starting from Skios, The route offers two variantsAlthough they all share the same spirit: hiking through mountains, water, and well-preserved villages. In Esquíos you can Continue straight ahead to reach Veigasor take a The path to the left crosses the Turia River and leads to Teixois..
Passing through As Veigas is one of the most beautiful moments of the routeIt can be described as a fairytale village, with stone houses, surrounded by woods, and boasting beautifully preserved traditional architecture. Some hikers even recommend adding a short loop to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Snows before continuing on to Os Teixóis.
Os Teixóis is another of the main protagonists of this routeThere you will find a unique water-powered ethnographic complex, made up of hammer, mill, fulling mill, grindstone and a small power stationThis collection perfectly encapsulates the essence of the excursion: it's not just about walking, but about understanding how the landscape and water shaped the economy and daily life of Taramundi. From Os Teixóis, The path continues parallel to the As Mestas stream until it returns to Esquíos and then to Taramundi..
Overall, the Water Route It is about 14 kilometers longIt requires about four hours of actual walking, although the total duration can be considerably longer if you visit museums, take photos, or stop for a meal. The route signage is excellentThis is very important on a route of this type. As for the difficulty, it doesn't appear to be technical; it's low to medium level due to the distance and the continuous ascents and descents. Trekking poles and hiking boots are recommended.
The best thing about this route is that It combines many attractions in a single day: forest, river, waterfall, heritage, charming villages and traditional cultureIt's an ideal option for those seeking hiking in Taramundi that goes beyond a simple stroll, because here the walk also offers cultural and scenic value. The Water Route not only showcases the landscape: it helps you understand it.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
