Three walks in Monforte de Lemos

We wandered around the town but there are also three walks in Monforte de Lemos which we undertook ‘with a purpose’.

Walking along the Cabe River

The Cabe River is 56kms long and flows east-west through Galicia. It originates in the Courel Mountains and eventually enters the Sil River. The area of origin looks absolutely amazing – I would love to explore! I think pilgrims walking the Camino from the east walk through this region.

The river in Monforte is rather less dramatic, but nevertheless enjoyable. It offers an attractive and peaceful walk through the centre of the town.

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Refreshments

We had walked along the river, bought several bottles of Ribeira Sacra wine, and now needed to sit down.

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Walking along the walls in Monforte de Lemos

After a rest during the afternoon we felt fidgety, and so, even though rain seemed likely, we took our umbrellas and walked round the old walls, just under the Parador. The walls were built in 12th and 13th centuries

There was a strong Jewish community in the town, integrated, not in a separate ‘ghetto’, and they were particularly active in the silk, cloth and silver trades. The plaque J is investigating remembers their presence in this area until they were expelled in 1492. We were walking inside the walls along Falagueira Street, the Main Street in the Mediaeval town. And as you look down the hill you can see lush market gardens, and old houses, with the new town down below us on the flat ground.

We popped out of the Puerta Nueva and notice a little track to our left, so wound our way back, lower down the hill, and just under the old walls. The allotments and orchards are well-tended, and there are signs of old paths, and old houses – it was fascinating, and fun.

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The San Vicente hillside

The road to the Parador winds up the side of the hill, and off this road are paths through woodland, down to the River Cabe. It is a good forty minute walk to stretch your legs!

Quinces hanging over a wall, old house, and the garden of a retirement home next to the river

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Monforte de Lemos is a centuries-old town and it takes time to find some of its corners and delights – and a lot of walking. I enjoyed these three ‘countryside’ walks and every time you undertake them there is something new to see.