Ena (Molino bajo)

Ena is not very near to any of the main roads in the region. From Jaca take the narrow road (A1205) to the south and the Peña Oroel. Straight on where the Peña is signposted to the left. There aren't many villages along this road, so don't feel disturbed if the the road goes on and on and on. You'll pass Bernués and eventually after more than 25kms find a branch to the right towards Ena and Centenero. Just a few kms more and you'll reach your destination. The road makes a sharp turn to the right before entering the village.

From this point a circular walk, Ruta de los Molinos de Ena, is marked. Follow the walk to the first mill. Then walk down to the river and continue with the current (1, 2). You'll arrive at the embalse of the second mill eventually.

Pictures: 6.I.2011

Molino alto

Molino bajo

(1) Barranco de Ena with channel.

(2) Channel: White circle is first mill

Water was a precious resource in these regions. The outflow of the first mill was led into a channel which longs the river (1, 2). Its course is still clear for most of the length, but some stretches could very well bear some maintenance.

The canal opens into a shallow lake above the second mill (3). The tube connecting the lake with the mill lies below the access road running between both. Notice: the outlet is in the long side of the lake.

The mill has a peculiar shape, more or less like a tent (4). All windows and the entrance share the same wall looking to the south. The opposite wall features a blind opening: previously a door, I think.

Take a few moments to explore the base of the short side of the wall (4 right). A wooden pipe with a valve (11) protrudes from the wall. It must be the way through which the corn cleansing machine pushed the lightest fraction out (e.g. in Jánovas).

(3) The embalse with outlet to the mill.

(4) Situation of the mill; lake visible behind

(5) Drain with cárcavo

(6) Cárcavo with gear

The cárcavo is situated next to the entrance. The arch is visible in pict. 4. The cárcavo is exceptionally narrow for its height (5). This obviously is not the original situation. The arch is much wider than the opening and it is very clear that new masonry narrowed the outlet (6).

A metallic rodezno (wheel) rests below the silt, together with the aliviador. The botana is also present (7). It's a pitty that the water supply system is disfunctional. Otherwise the system could probably soon run again.

(7) Rodezno, botana, aliviador

(8) Drain goes underground

(9) The workplace is almost empty

(10) Detail of pict. 9 top left

(11) Outlet of the cleansing machine (la limpia)

The door was locked, but there was a hole just above the floor. I managed to put my camera through and take some pictures at random. The space is almost empty. There is an inscription (10) on the one of the walls saying:

Molino Harinero
reformado el año
1945
Andrès — Piedrafieta
Ena