The river Xubia, which created the Ferrol estuary, has a fairly open river valley in its final section. This is largely due to the presence of a remarkable geological structure, the As Pontes-Pedroso fault, which facilitated the erosion of all the rocks through which the river flows. This hypothesis can be confirmed when the river Xubia flows through materials which are not affected by the As Pontes-Pedroso fault and, as a consequence, it has to be strongly boxed in like any other river in this part of Galicia.
One of the best viewpoints from which to see this valley is the Pico of Ferreira. It is a place that is known in geology as an inselberg or “island mountain”, that is to say, a mountain which, due to the nature of its materials, has resisted erosion better than the surrounding rocks. Another example of its outstanding topography can be found in the landscape of the Pena do Rei Mouro, formed by a vein of quartz – a very hard mineral – surrounded by much softer slate slabs.
From the Pico of Ferreira peak, to the northeast, you can see the sedimentary valley of Moeche – dominated by its castle – which, although looking like an ancient riverbed, has no river that has shaped the landscape in this way.
City council: San Sadurniño
Can I visit it?: Yes, by car or walking routes.
Further information: The area is on the southern fringe of the Geopark project and relatively close to O Forgoselo, the toelo quarries and the copper mines. The Pico de Ferreira is a natural viewpoint with a high heritage value, due to the existence of an anthropomorphic tomb dug into the rock – called “the bed of San Vicente” – which has given rise to many legends. From there you can see part of Moeche, San Sadurniño and even part of Valdoviño and the Ferrol estuary. You also have a spectacular view of the Pedroso fault.
