Trees, ponds and trails of Xinzo de Limia

The concello of Xinzo de Limia occupies the heart of the former Lagoa de Antela and, although it has no large protected areas, spread across its twenty parishes are remarkable trees, ponds, a waterfall and several trails. This page gathers the concello’s nature spots for anyone who wants to explore them on foot or by bike.

Trees

The concello’s cartographic inventory lists 27 trees of interest. Twenty are in the town of Xinzo, where most are recorded; six are in Piñeira Seca and one in Solbeira de Limia. On the plain of A Limia, where farming and the former lagoon left little natural woodland, isolated trees serve as landmarks. The inventory does not give the species of each, so the best approach is to ask in the villages about those people identify by their shade.

Pools and ponds

Before the draining, the Lagoa de Antela covered a good part of the present concello. Today only small ponds remain, which the map records at A Pena, Parada de Ribeira and two at Piñeira Seca. They are remnants of the great wetness the plain once had. To understand where they come from, read Lagoa de Antela and Ponds and birds of the Lagoa de Antela. In Novás, a water tank for fire-fighting also appears on the map as a water point.

The Guntimil waterfall

The concello’s only waterfall is A Fervenza, in Guntimil. It is the only spot in the concello with a recorded water drop. You can complete the visit with the entry on Guntimil and the springs, washhouses and wells of Xinzo.

Trails and the Way

Two kilometre markers of the Way of St James show the pilgrimage’s passage through the concello: one in the town of Xinzo and another in Boado. Xinzo is on the branch of the Portuguese Vía de la Plata Way, and the town has a pilgrim hostel. In addition, the town has "Five routes" waymarked around the area. The urban route linking the museum, churches and fountains is described in Xinzo de Limia in a day, and other routes of the comarca in the index of Routes and trails through A Limia.

Alto do Seixo

In the parish of Gudín is the concello’s only named summit, the Alto do Seixo or O Milleiro, a small hill that stands out on the plain.

Tips for visiting

• Wear comfortable footwear: many paths are dirt tracks and get muddy in winter.
• Avoid the ponds during the birds’ breeding season, between spring and early summer.
• Respect the fields: the paths are public, but the land around them is farmed.

Frequently asked questions

Are there protected natural areas in Xinzo de Limia?

Not in the concello: the nearest are at the Veiga de Ponteliñares and in the Baixa Limia, described in Protected natural areas.

Does the Way of St James pass through Xinzo?

Yes, on the branch of the Portuguese Vía de la Plata Way, with a pilgrim hostel in the town.

Where is there water in Xinzo, apart from the river?

In the springs, wells and washhouses of the parishes, in a few ponds and at the Guntimil waterfall.

Links

• Nature of A Limia
• Routes and trails through A Limia
• Xinzo de Limia