The road from Moldes to Barjas runs alongside extensive, carefully managed chestnut groves. Together with the hiking trails, valleys and cultural attractions, they offer a varied perspective on the surrounding area. When planning, it is worth treating each destination as a distinct experience: a circular route, a forest trail and a historic site each have their own focus.

Landscape and architecture

The settlements of the municipality of Barjas lie in beautiful valleys crossed by the Barjas and Corporales rivers. Numerous centuries-old chestnut and walnut trees grow in the area; native plant species include holly and oak. The chestnut groves along the road from Moldes to Barjas offer a specific point of reference for the landscape between the two places.

Traditional architecture is also part of Barjas's character: it is defined by roughly hewn, rustic stone buildings with typical slate roofs. In Moldes itself stands the Santo Tirso hermitage, one of the cultural heritage attractions in the municipality of Barjas. This means nature and cultural experiences can be found side by side in the village and municipality, without requiring the same destination.

Hiking trails with different highlights

There is a 16-kilometre circular route near Barjas. The Senda del Hayedo at the Hayedo de Busmayor offers a different type of trail: it runs for approximately seven kilometres in one direction through the forest and alongside streams. The distances therefore cannot simply be compared: one route is described as a circuit, while the other is given as an approximate one-way distance. When comparing the trails, keep both the distance and the type of route in mind.

The route through the Hayedo de Busmayor also passes the Frevenza do Beiro, a waterfall. The forest, streams and waterfall are the specific natural features mentioned for this trail. The Oencia–Barjas route offers a different perspective on the landscape: it runs through rural, remote landscapes in the valleys of the Barjas and Selmo rivers, shaped by nature and the surrounding scenery.

For the Hayedo trail, signs at the end of Calle Principal in Busmayor indicate the start of the Senda del Faxeiral, also known as the Hayedo trail. The last 20 kilometres from Vega de Valcarce to Busmayor follow the LE-5101 and pass through Barjas. Check road conditions before setting out. Those who choose the Senda del Faxeiral will also find the Piedra de los Poetas there: verses are recited around the large stone every year. Confirm the dates for any future event before your visit.

Cultural attractions and access

The Santo Tirso hermitage in Moldes offers a way to add a cultural visit to your stay. In Barjas, by contrast, the rustic stone buildings and slate roofs define the traditional architecture. Both offer different ways to experience the cultural landscape: the hermitage as a named attraction, and the building style as a feature of the settlements.

Another route starts at the Herrería de Serviz. The starting point can be reached by car via Vega de Valcarce and Moldes. A route associated with Moldes is also described for cyclists: “(El Bierzo)-Vega de Valcarce-Villasinde-Hermide-Moldes-Busmayor-Otero-San Julian-Herrerias”. After an ascent, it passes through centuries-old chestnut trees to Moldes. Accessibility and conditions may change; check them before setting out.

For the broader travel overview: Barjas.