About our farm
We are situated 20 minutes south of the central city Lugo in Galicia. Our home is in the heart of farmlands where there are a number of old-farm caminos around our property. Our nearest town is called Guntin and we can drop you off at the bus station if you would like to go an explore the city and the many events that take place there. If you are passing on the Camino de Frances or the Camino Primitivo, you are welcome to have a short stay with us during your pilgrimage. The Camino Primitivo is just 3 km from our farm.
We offer farm-stay opportunities where you can come and volunteer on the farm for a maximum of 2 weeks during various periods of the year. We have a comfortable bedroom and can accomadate couples or 2 people at a time if they do no mind sharing a room. Our facilities include a private toilet and a shower room next to your room.
What to expect during your stay
We offer a number of opportunites for you to participate in our farm life and experience homesteading in our part of Galicia. We are surrounded by a number of farms large and small, where you can mix with locals, practice your Spanish or learn a little Gallego! This is a remote and incredible charming part of Galicia where the old ways and family tradition are at the heart of the community!
Do you love wild life?
iIf you enjoy walking, you are in for a treat. Wildlife surrounds us and you will likely stumble into the path of foxes, deer, badgers, many species of birds, wild boar and the odd wolf. Take your camera and seek out the signs of nature. In the autumn our local area is alive with mushrooms and fruits/nuts dropping from the trees. This is a wonderful place to forage. Climb the mountain and take in the breathtaking views for miles and find old abandoned farms. if you are nervous to walk alone on the long winding paths, take our Pilgrim rescue dog Vinci with you and he will keep you on track and provide great company!
Growing
We are developing our vegetable garden and permaculture methods on the farm
Learning
We are sharing knowledge and developing our goat dairy provision and food storage methods
Sustainability
We embrace our creativity and ideas to live small and enjoy the day to day process of homestead life
The weather and seasons!
The driest months here are summer and autumn. We are lucky in that we do not get rainfall for very long periods of time but it can certainly impact the working day when it comes.
Spring
Spring is our busy month planting our fruits and vegetables, plus taking care of animals ready for the summer routine, there are always young animals that need more nurture and care. If you love gardening, growing and digging, this is your perfect time to stay and support us... if you have any knowledge, we would love to have you here!
Summer
Summer might seem like the best time to visit but you need to be very hardened to the reality of farm life during the months June, July and August. The days are long and hot. The work is much more gruelling caring for animals and watering the plants. The bugs are insane. You can not avoid bugs in the wilds. They are an essential part of nature but they get everywhere and we understand they are not for everyone. Our waste management and composting efforts are really important and we do find we are happy to see the end of this season!
Autumn
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit our farm in Galicia. The much needed rains arrive but it is still warm and pleasant. The mornings and nights are cool and the animals transition into a seasonal shift of rest and harvest. We harvest our food, start our food preservation efforts and baby animals are born. This is a wonderful time to stay on the farm and the Lugo fiestas begin in October, so it is a great time to try out the local cuisine!
Winter
Winter is a beautiful time on the farm and you are welcome to stay with us over the Christmas and new year period if you are looking for warmth and low key celebrations. We do not celebrate christmas extensively but we love to have a good old fashoined traditional Cornish roast with all the trimmings. During this holiday the log burner is lit and the tree is decorated! We love this time of year.
Work, on the farm consists of all the prep jobs for the spring, including wood cutting, storage and clearing areas. We start some of our planting and clearing land. This is hearty work and our food and diet is matched with warm soups and baked bread to get us through the season!
Learning Opportunities
Living and working on a small homestead
Caring for goats and ponies
Creative activities and Carpentary skills
Permaculture
Cooking and preserving for a farm family
We ask for a donation of 35 euros per week for your food and general costs. Your support on the farm is returned with accomodation, meals, and collection/drop off on arrival and leaving.
Frequently asked questions about our Homestead work-away offer!
Where is the Wild Trails Homestead located?
In a remote farmlands and nature. A small village 18 km south of Lugo
Is it a remote area?
Yes, and we only have a local bus service 2m from our farm that goes back and forth to Lugo. We can not provide day-out-excursions to visitors because we are very busing farming. We recommend you hire a car, stay for only a week or go somewhere more urban if you want to explore and can not hire a car!
How long can i stay?
Minimum of 1 week to learn the farm chores and a maximum of 3 weeks unless we make an exceptional arrangement.
What is an average day like on the farm?
We start between 8am and 9am each day, depending on the season. The first priority is animal care, milking, cleaning and moving animals to their daily area. We offer services to the public, so we often have appointments. We spend the late morning having a light breakfast and refreshment before we go onto those other tasks and projects, listed above. We break in the afternoon and restart our chores from about 5 to 6pm. We finish at 7pm and relax.
Will I have my own space to relax?
Yes, this is very important to us. Your stay here should be nourishing and a life experience. Whilst we love to get to know you and chat, we actually ask that everyone has downtime in the evenings and you can spend time in your room, where there is internet service you can use. We also have many books in our library and you are welcome to walk our dogs if you fancy getting out into nature.
Nearest airport
Santiago is our nearest airport and A'Coruna. We will need to discuss what is your best option when we arrange your visit.
What languages do I need to speak?
English is our native language and if you speak Spanish that is obviously great but it is not essential. You will pick up enough to get by. Our local neighbours speak Gallego which is similar to Portuguese. They also speak Castellano!