The mountains rarely offer such a deep, flowing pool. The San Vicente pool is well worth a visit . We haven't exaggerated; a refreshing swim is guaranteed, as is the beauty of the place.
Surroundings of the San Vicente Pot
The Dobra River is one of the most vertical in the Asturian landscape. It rises on the Leonese side of the Picos de Europa mountains and flows into the Sella River. Despite its short course, it offers various opportunities to enjoy nature. In its upper reaches, it is only suitable for canyoning, creating a narrow and steep gorge. A few kilometers before reaching Tornín, in Cangas de Onís, the river flows through the lush landscapes of Amieva . In this final stretch, the Dobra slows, reaching the flat, open terrain where we will begin our hike.
Baptized by the Celts as "Dubran", it means "water", the river has a proper name that comes to mind. On our excursion we will discover that water could well be called "Dobra", because in few places like this one better tribute to the liquid of life. No matter how many words and translations are used, after this mountain walk we will stay with «Dobra».
Before reaching the Olla de San Vicente, we'll encounter more pools and basins, deep and clear, filled by flowing water with extraordinary vitality. Along our short journey, we find every imaginable form of bathing: bathtubs, waterfall showers, jacuzzis, swimming pools… Vegetation thrives all around, nourished and cared for by the Dobra River itself. Along our path, we observe large patches of native forest flourishing on the banks: ash, maple, elm, alder, willow… As we ascend , chestnut groves, oak forests, and beech woods appear.
Water and forest in their purest form, all dotted with mountains. The Dobra River boasts crystal-clear waters, partly because it is free from all types of pollution , with no human settlements in its watershed. Therefore, the route we detail below demands the utmost respect . During your walk, do nothing to alter its natural state or cleanliness; others will come after you seeking the Dobra and its banks untouched, a nearby legacy of the majestic Picos de Europa. Leave your mark, but only with your boots . Know that once you reach the Olla de San Vicente, nature will be at your fingertips, ready to wash away your sweat and perhaps your stress. In addition to the lagoon's vast expanse, in some places the water reaches depths of over five meters. Enjoy a swim.
Although its crystal-clear waters never get completely warm, between June and September they are at their best for swimming and no one will be disappointed.
How to get to Olla San Vicente?
Take the road from Cangas de Onís towards Puerto del Pontón (N-625) . After about six kilometers, past a small village called Tornín , you'll see a restaurant/roadside inn on the left. Park there. The trail begins very close by.
How long is the Olla San Vicente route?
The walk will last between 30 and 40 minutes . Comfortable footwear is recommended, but nothing too demanding. The first part of the route, following the course of the Dobra River, is along a track that later becomes a footpath.
The path is perfectly marked all the way to the Olla de San Vicente and there are no significant inclines. Besides the appeal of the river and the surrounding nature, we find fine examples of traditional architecture in the form of cabins , and some older structures such as the Roman stone bridge , or Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), about 200 meters from the start of the route. Crossing the bridge marks the beginning of another very attractive route, the Arcediano Trail. From the Old Bridge, we can enjoy observing the course of the Dobra River and the beauty of the area.
We won't turn off here; we'll continue where we left off, following the river's course. We'll keep going along the track until we reach a small valley called La Pandiella , where there are some cabins, a meadow, and a small orchard. Just a few meters further on (about 5 minutes), the path narrows into a trail carved into the limestone, right next to the river. We'll reach some beautiful waterfalls . A little later, we'll pass through a tunnel of alders and hazel trees and arrive at the Olla de San Vicente. Above it, we'll discover a clearing adorned with leafy linden trees, an ideal spot to have a sandwich or start getting ready for a swim.
Books «Asturadictos» and «Routes through the mountains and the roads of Asturias»
If you want to learn about hiking routes in Asturias firsthand, we recommend buying these two books: "Asturadictos ," written by Ana Paz Paredes, a journalist and writer specializing in rural topics of all kinds, gastronomy, and tourist routes in the region; and "Rutas por la montaña y los caminos de Asturias" by Ángel Fernández Ortega, with 31 routes, crossings, and ascents.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
