O Teixo - Os Teixóis

The route from O Teixo to Os Teixóis is a circular route that condenses the best of the natural and ethnographic heritage of Taramundi. The itinerary begins in the village of O Teixo, between the peaks of Ouroso and Busnovo. From the recreational area or the hostel, take the road to Santa Mariña and soon leave it along a dirt track that descends gently towards the stream of As Mestas. The path enters a chestnut forest and leads to the village of Santa Mariña, which still conserves the rural architecture of western Asturias: slate stone buildings, slab roofs and an austere and authentic aesthetic.

After crossing the village, the path climbs up the crests of the hillside between heaths and meadows until it reaches the small hamlet of Os Armallos. From here, a descent begins between chestnut groves until it connects with the road from Taramundi to As Veigas. A short stretch along this road leads to the path that descends to the ethnographic site of Os Teixóis, one of the most unique enclaves in Asturias. In this area, several hydraulic devices are preserved and still in operation: mill, forge mallet, fulling mill, whetstone and a small power station, all driven by the force of water. It is a living testimony to the traditional use of natural resources.

From Os Teixóis, the route continues towards As Mestas along a narrow path that runs parallel to the stream, between alders and hazelnut trees. In this section you can see old "carboeiras", structures used for the production of charcoal, vital in its day to feed the forges in the area. Once in As Mestas, take the track that climbs back up to O Teixo, thus closing this complete and evocative journey through the heart of the Biosphere Reserve Río Eo, Oscos e Terras de Burón.