Sierra del Eje, Mountain and protected site in Ourense province, Spain.
Sierra del Eje (Serra do Eixe in Galician) is a mountain range running northeast to southwest on the border of A Veiga and Carballeda de Valdeorras, in eastern Galicia. It belongs to the Macizo de Peña Trevinca and holds Galicia's highest summits: Peña Trevinca at 2127 m, Peña Negra at 2121 m and Peña Surbia at 2116 m. The range separates the basins of the Jares and Sil rivers.
The mountain area has been managed by communities for generations, with pastoral economy as the main activity and animals grazing across the slopes. This long pastoral use shaped the landscape over centuries and created the meadow and settlement patterns visible today.
The mountain villages around this range keep alive traditions rooted in shepherd culture, visible today in local festivals and how people interact with the meadows. This way of life continues to shape the landscape and the seasons in the region.
The area is accessible from two nearby municipalities and offers hiking paths suited to different skill levels and physical ability. The best season for walking is from spring through autumn, as winter and early spring can bring snow that affects accessibility.
Slate quarries cut into the slopes have provided work for local people over the years and left visible marks on parts of the mountain. This extractive activity is woven into the economic life of the surrounding communities.
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