Most people who come to Las Médulas are happy to visit the Mirador de Orellán, a viewpoint from which one can admire one of the best panoramic views of the Las Médulas gold mine. However, the best option for a good understanding of this landscape is not just visiting the Mirador but to follow one or more of these proposed itineraries – depending on the time available. These routes are the best way of getting a spatial understanding of the historic process that produced this cultural landscape and the only alternative for being able to see it in its totality.
This itinerary offers the chance to visit the area’s two pre-Roman hillforts, El Castrelín de San Juan de Paluezas and the Borrenes hillfort. The route allows one to get an idea of the way of life of the pre-Roman Astur tribes who occupied the area from the 3rd century BC until the change of era and how contacts developed between these indigenous populations and the Romans.
Estimated times – It is recommended that the route between the two hillforts be covered by car or by bicycle.
– Each fort can be visited on foot and each takes between 15 and 30 minutes. – By mountain bike: 15 minutes to El Castrelín and 8 minutes to Borrenes. – By car: 10 and 5 minutes respectively.
Difficulty: low. In the rainy season some sections might become muddy.
Distance to be covered: 3.3 km from the N-356 to El Castrelín and 1 km from the village of Borrenes to the hillfort.
Slope: 50-100 metres.
Information and recommendations: there are few springs along the route. You are advised to take water with you.
This itinerary offers information on all aspects related with Roman gold mining. This route passes through the mine following the exploitation process from the hydraulic infrastructure to the gold washing and the evacuation of waste material.
Estimated times – On foot: 3 hours 20 minutes. – By mountain bike: 45 minutes. – By 4x4 vehicle: 35 minutes.
Difficulty: low to medium. In the rainy season some sections might become muddy.
Distance to be covered: approx. 11.5 kilometres.
Slope: 200 metres.
Information and recommendations: there are few springs along the route. You are advised to take water with you.
This route is for visiting the Roman metalworking village of Orellán, linked with the mining work.
Estimated times – On foot: 15 minutes.
– By mountain bike: 10 minutes.
Difficulty: low.
Distance to be covered: approx. 200 metres.
Slope: 30-40 metres.
Information and recommendations: there is no spring close to the village and so, although it is located at 5 minutes from the village of Orellán, you are advised to take water with you.
