There are over a hundred lakes and lagoons dotting the Principality of Asturias, but these three—those of Saliencia—perhaps take the prize. Somiedo is one of Asturias' five Natural Parks and is home to a dozen lakes , including the largest and deepest in the Cantabrian Mountains . Given their surroundings, they rival the legendary Lakes of Covadonga. We set off in search of these lakes, traversing spectacular glacial valleys along the PR AS-15 trail . Lake Valle and the Saliencia Lakes, a Biosphere Reserve , are the ones everyone wants to see.
Trekking 5 days in Somiedo
Five intense days, with accommodation included, to explore the main attractions, peaks, lakes, and mountain pastures of this natural park… Read more
Where does the Saliencia Lakes route begin?
We ascend to Alto de la Farrapona (1.708 m), the point that divides the Asturian region of Somiedo from the Leonese region of Babia. We are about to tackle 14 kilometers (round trip) . You don't need to be an Ironman, but a reasonable level of fitness and experience with hiking are required. Naturally, it's best to do the hike in good weather and not attempt it in winter, unless you are a professional mountaineer. With good weather conditions, the hike could be considered moderately challenging, but its length makes it unsuitable for young children . It will take at least six hours round trip , which should be taken into account when planning your trip. The route is well-marked with signs and markers. Although there are some fairly steep sections, the overall elevation gain is relatively small, around 400 meters.
How many are the Saliencia Lakes?
There are four lakes: Calabazosa or Black Lake, Cerveriz, Almagrera Lagoon or La Mina and La Cueva.
From the Alto de la Farrapona parking area, follow the signs to "Lagos de Saliencia ." In just 15 minutes, following the route of the old Santa Rita railway line—now abandoned—you'll see Lago de la Cueva (Lake of the Cave) surrounded by the slopes of the Ubiñas massif . Shortly after, you'll reach a fork in the road (18 min.). Continue to the right and uphill. The old mining track, which was very likely a secondary or "winter" branch of the old La Mesa road (a prehistoric route improved by the Romans), leads to a viewpoint overlooking Lago de la Cueva, the mountains of Alto de Colladín, and the Sierra de los Bígaros in the distance . Passing Laguna de la Mina (Mine Lagoon), you'll reach a ridge (37 min., 1745 m.) offering unbeatable views of the Cerveiriz meadow. We follow the arrow pointing left towards "Lake Calabazosa." Soon we see Lake Cerveiriz on our right. Once we reach the end of the ridge (45 min.), we discover a magnificent panoramic view of the large Lake Calabazosa , the largest of the three, which occupies the depression of a large doline carved out by the dissolution of the limestone. Calabazosa, also known as Llanegru, can reach a depth of 60 meters.
We return to the track and continue downhill to the Cerveiriz Meadow. Next to Lake Cerveiriz (57 min.), the track forks. We follow the sign to "Lago del Valle" (Valley Lake) on the right, across the meadow. At the end of the meadow (1 hr. 03 min.) (1.685 m.), we ascend to a pass where we find a wooden marker. The Camayor Meadow stretches out before us with its gentle subalpine pastures . Following the right edge of the meadow, we reach another pass (1 hr. 41 min.) (1.745 m.), from where we can see the peaks of Peña Llana, Cebolléu, and Picos Albos. To our left, we see a sign for "Lago del Valle." From here, we follow the white and yellow markers along a path that descends. We arrived at a track next to the lake (2 h. 45 min.) (1.570 m).
We return along the same route to the Alto la Farrapona parking lot (5 h. 20 min.).
Somiedo Natural Park
Somiedo Natural Park is a beautiful piece of land designed for nature lovers … Read more
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
