The trail follows the historical 'Father Sarmiento' route, a path allegedly taken by the monk Martin Sarmiento in the 18th century.
Many of the stone mills along the river were restored in the early 2000s to preserve regional heritage.
The route elevation gain is minimal, rising approximately 300 meters from the start to the monastery.
The Armenteira River serves as a natural corridor for endemic Galician flora, including specialized ferns.
Several mills along the route feature original stone grinding wheels still visible to visitors.
The Ruta da Pedra e da Auga is a 6.9-kilometer linear hiking trail in Galicia that follows the Armenteira River. It is notable for featuring over 30 traditional stone water mills, known as muiños, distributed along its banks. The path connects the municipality of Ribadumia to the Armenteira monastery. It is a predominantly flat trail, making it accessible to various fitness levels. The route winds through dense, lush vegetation including oak and chestnut forests. It provides a historical glimpse into the agricultural past of the region where grain was once ground using river power. The trail ends near the Monasterio de Santa María de Armenteira. It is maintained by the local municipal government of Meis. Most of the path is well-marked with granite signage and information boards.
The restored stone water mills surrounded by moss-covered rocks and cascading river sections.
Wear footwear with good grip as the cobblestones and wooden walkways can be slippery when wet.
Start from the lower trailhead in Ribadumia if you prefer a gradual incline toward the monastery.
Bring sufficient water and snacks, as there are limited commercial facilities directly on the path.
Attempting the hike in mid-summer during peak heat, as certain sections lack complete canopy cover.
Stay on marked paths to protect the delicate riverbank ecosystem; refrain from littering.
