The Mazonovo mill museum on the route contains 19 operational water mills.
The trail passes through Os Teixóis, a settlement declared an Asset of Cultural Interest for its well-preserved hydraulic complex.
The fulling mills along the route were historically used to thicken wool by pounding it in water.
The Taramundi region is widely credited as the birthplace of rural tourism in Spain, starting in the 1980s.
The trail connects to the Ecomuseum of Taramundi, which integrates the natural landscape with local history.
The Ruta da Agua is a 14-kilometer circular hiking trail located in the Taramundi council of Asturias, Spain. The route highlights the historic integration of water management into the local economy, showcasing restored hydraulic engineering such as flour mills and fulling mills. It traverses the villages of Mazonovo, Esquíos, and Os Teixóis, which are noted for their traditional slate and stone architecture. The path follows the course of the Turia and Cabreira rivers through dense oak and chestnut forests. A significant portion of the trail features ethnographic exhibits, including the Mazonovo mill museum, which is the largest of its kind in Spain. The terrain varies from riverbank paths to moderate inclines leading to high vantage points over the valley. The trail acts as a living museum of rural industrial heritage. Visitors can observe functional waterwheels and traditional blacksmithing techniques still used in the region.
The restored wooden aqueducts and waterwheel at the Os Teixóis ensemble.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as the riverbank sections can be muddy.
Bring a portable battery pack as GPS signal can be intermittent in the dense valley sections.
Carry your own water, as refill points are limited to the villages along the route.
Attempting the full circuit after heavy rainfall, as river paths may become slippery or inaccessible.
Trail is open year-round, but access to individual mill museums may be restricted during winter months.
Respect private property when passing through village boundaries; keep dogs on a leash.
