Description:

The circular route begins next to the Boqueiriño viewpoint, where we ascend along a dirt track that serves as a firebreak. Here, you will find breathtaking views of the canyon, alongside areas of scrubland, cork oak and strawberry tree forests, and oak groves interspersed with vineyards. The route is named after a remarkably large eucalyptus tree which is over a hundred years old.

Distance: 4.45 km

Duration: 1h 40m

Waymarking signs: Fair

Circular route: Yes

Difficulty: Hard

Starting coordinates: N 42.402506 / W -7.5998128,836

From the Boqueiriño viewpoint, standing 600 m above the River Sil, we can see the magnificent Monastery of Santa Cristina on the opposite side of the canyon, in Ourense. We continue along the track for half a kilometre until reaching the spot known as Colado do Santo. From this small plateau, the “Eucalipto do Médico” path branches off to the right, beginning with a gentle descent that becomes steeper as we go. The first 400 m consist of scrubland, followed by an area of cork oaks and arbutus trees until we reach O Santo, an area once used for vineyards, but which is now oak woodland.

Slightly further down, a path leads to Nogueira da Laxa, an area rich in vineyards, and to the vines of O Santo heading towards Souto Vello. You will also pass natural springs in an area of meadows.

From this point, the route turns into a narrow trail with a steep descent. About a hundred metres further, we reach the spectacularly large and ancient eucalyptus tree we have been looking for. The tree is named after Don Gumersindo, a local doctor from the village of O Pacio, who planted it.

For more information please visit:

https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/ruta-do-eucalipto-do-medico18227417