These walks along the River Mandeo start from Ambalasaugas Bridge in the parish of Santa María de Ois, before making their way through the river valley in the municipalities of Coirós and Irixoa. In the areas closest to the Mandeo, the path leads through the dense riverside wood. Further on, it also goes through areas of Eucalyptus woods.
Bird´s route: Area surrounding Ambalasaugas
Ornithological interest
These short routes are ideal for groups with children, who will have the chance to discover the biodiversity present in the autochthonous woods and Eucalyptus plantations. A walk in spring is perfect for discovering the best spot to watch and listen to the birds, and which species. Close observation will enable you to identify Long-tailed and Great Tits, Common Blackbirds, Eurasian Blue Tits, Robins, Eurasian Jays and Eurasian Blackcaps. You may also be able to spot a Sparrowhawk or Common Buzzard soaring above the trees. The playground in the As Pías recreation area will keep the little ones entertained for hours. In the early 20th century, this was the site of one of the area’s first hydroelectric power stations. Today all that remains is the waterpipe and the retaining wall that protected the slope.
Phenology
The best time to visit this area is springtime in the early morning, when the birds are at their most active.
What to see
Ambalasaugas to As Pías: an easy walk of approximately one hour, this is a 3.4 km circular route that takes you along the riverbank as far as As Pías Bridge, where the recreation area is located. It then goes uphill through a landscape of autochthonous Eucalyptus trees before returning along a track to the starting point.
Ambalasaugas to Xielas: this is a longer and more challenging route than the previous one (4.4 km linear route that takes one and a half hours) that takes walkers to Xielas bridge, in the parish of San Martiño de Churío (Irixoa). The route crosses a water channel.
Getting there, accessibility and recommendations
To reach Ambalasaugas from the A-6 motorway, take exit 549 for Montesalgueiro. Drive 12.5 km along the AC-151 road as far as Ambalasaugas Bridge. If you prefer to take the second route in the opposite direction, from the same exit on the A-6, drive 7 km along the AC-151 before turning off in the direction of San Martiño de Churío.
Resources
Both routes are signposted as part of A Coruña Provincial Council’s Mandeo Project: http://www.riomandeo.com/index.php?nivel=4&idnivel=1256&s=24&su=33&cat=su
Nearby sites of ornithological interest
You can combine this route with others included in this guide in order to discover the birdlife of the River Mandeo.
Birds of the Mariñas
Other places to visit:
O Catorce Amphibian Micro-reserve (see http://www.fragasdomandeo.org/campanas-es/reserva-del-catorce/?lang=es)
Useful telephone numbers and addresses:
Emergency services: 112
Irixoa Town Hall: 981 793 001
Coirós Town Hall: 981 796 414
