Puentes de Malpaso

The Malpaso Bridges are a natural and hiking spot in Molinaseca, in El Bierzo (León), located in the valley of the Meruelo River and linked to the Camino de Santiago. The resource is identified with two small stone bridges, known as the Puente Grande and the Puente Pequeña, which span two different streams before their confluence in the Meruelo; several sources place them as constructions of medieval origin, although others attribute to them a more ancient or unknown origin. The environment is a narrow corridor of hillside where the path advances between the riverbed, rocky outcrops and vegetation of bank and mount. Along the route there are poplars, chestnut trees, oaks and rockroses, with stretches of shade and small streams that reinforce the humid and fresh character of the landscape. From the path there are views over the valley and, in the upper part, towards Riego de Ambrós and the Olla del Bierzo. Its main interest is landscape and heritage: it combines a traditional mountain pass with an enclave closely linked to the walking history of Molinaseca and the Jacobean routes. The route is usually proposed as a signposted trail of moderate difficulty, with access only on foot, which helps to preserve the natural environment and maintain the quiet character of the place. In the local and tourist information, it appears as one of the most representative walks of the municipality, appreciated for combining nature, rural heritage and historical reading of the territory. The presence of two bridges in a narrow pass, between slopes and streams, explains why it is still a highly valued point by visitors looking for a small format landscape, but with a strong Bierzo identity.