Not far past Castillo de Pambre, where the Pambre River meets the Ulla, lies a small stretch of rapids and waterfalls known locally as the Torrentes do Mácara. We came across it after visiting the castle, and it turned out to be one of those spots that takes a bit of effort to reach but rewards you well once you get there.
Getting There Takes Some Scrambling
The path down from the castle area is not a casual stroll. It starts easily enough through woodland, but the final stretch down to the river is steep, and at one point the trail squeezes through a narrow gap between two large rocks before opening up again. It is the kind of spot where you use your hands as much as your feet, so sturdy shoes are a must and this is not really a route for small children or anyone unsteady on uneven ground.
(Various hiking sources describe this same route as demanding, with a steep descent through the woods, so our experience matches what others report about the trail.)
The Waterfall Itself
After the scramble, the path opens up onto the river, and the Fervenza do Mácara appears among the rocks. It is not a massive waterfall by any measure, but the setting more than makes up for its modest size: the water tumbles through a narrow gorge lined with chestnut trees, with several smaller cascades and pools upstream and downstream. After the climb down, standing there felt like a proper reward.
Good to Know
- Location: Near the confluence of the Pambre and Ulla rivers, parish of Ramil, municipality of Palas de Rei, province of Lugo.
- Starting point: The route can be picked up from the Castillo de Pambre car park.
- Difficulty: Moderate to demanding, with a steep, rocky descent and a narrow passage between rocks near the bottom.
- Bring: Proper hiking shoes, and take your time on the way down and back up.
If you are already making the trip out to Castillo de Pambre, it is well worth continuing on to the Fervenza do Mácara. Just be prepared to work for it.
