Alence offers two distinct hiking destinations and a specific local church history. The Casa da Chancia route climbs uphill to As Cruces and ends at Casa da Chancia; an alternative leads from the mountain lodge to the source of the River Boullón. The parish church of Santa Lucía and the geographical connection to the French Way add a cultural dimension. Cova do Toural o de Pando provides a distinct connection to the landscape and local tradition.

Hikes with different destinations

The Casa da Chancia route begins in Alence, climbs uphill to As Cruces and ends at Casa da Chancia. Its starting point, ascent and destination give the route a clear sequence. Alternatively, a walk leads from the mountain lodge to the source of the River Boullón. This walk takes 20 to 30 minutes each way; allow additional walking time for the return journey. There are several springs and a mill at the source. The planning considerations differ: the Casa da Chancia route is defined by its ascent and endpoint, while the Boullón alternative is defined by the time required in each direction and the landscape features at the river’s source. This makes it possible to choose between a route with a clearly described course and a walk with a specific time estimate.

Church and geographical connection to the French Way

Alence is home to the Igrexa parroquial de Santa Lucía de A Alence, the parish church of Santa Lucía. According to a local publication, the parish of A Alence has existed since 1890. The church and parish provide two specific points of reference for the cultural aspect of a stay. These details complement each other: the church’s name anchors the connection to a specific place, while the year places the parish in time.

The French Way can also be defined geographically. Its boundary runs southwest from the parish of A Alence, passing through the settlement of A Pena de Cabra, as far as the municipal boundary of Triacastela. The named points and direction give this connection a specific spatial form.

Cova do Toural o de Pando

Cova do Toural o de Pando lies near the old Camino de los Romanos towards Pando, at an elevation of 1,147 metres. The old road and elevation provide two specific geographical reference points for the cave. Local tradition also links it to the idea that it served as a “Cova dos Mouros”. This story adds a local belief to the topographical description. The cave thus offers two kinds of local orientation: a topographical location defined by the road and elevation, and a story passed down as local tradition.

Discover more destinations: Sabenche, Quiroga, San Cosme De Barreiros, Baleira, Bolmente, A Pontenova, Merille, Ourol

For the overview of the wider area: Lugo.