There are several possible accesses, from the Leonese and Asturian sides.. From the council of Caso, in Asturias, we can do it from the towns of Caleao, La Felguerina, La Infiesta or Bezanes. We can also reach it from the Arrudos gorge, continuing this route once we reach the Fontona enclave. The latter is a route that, like the rest of those that start from casino lands, will take us several hours to climb and is of moderate difficulty as it overcomes a slope close to 1000 meters.
Desfiladero de los Arrudos
The Arrudos gorge is one of the great river canyons of Asturias and one of the most… Read more
Go up to Lake Ubales from Fontona
This path starts shortly before La Fontona, ascends and It crosses the leafy beech forest of Los Arrebellaos until we reach the Roxecu sheepfold, a beautiful plain where we see old ruined huts. After crossing the river a ascent of just over a kilometer and a half leading to flock of Llede, first, already the one of the Moyones after. Here you can make a brief stop to rest and drink water in a nearby fountain. This fold is completely surrounded by mountains in a kind of circus, with beautiful panoramic views.
The road continues ascending among high mountain meadows and leads to the Collada de Ubales, highest point of the route (1711 meters of altitude), where we enjoy magnificent views of the Brañagallones valley, the Cantu l 'Oso, the Tiatordos and even the Western Massif of the Picos de Europa.
In this collada we take a detour to the right that, without losing height, arrives in a few minutes to the recondite Lake Ubales: small mountain lake that owes its origin to a glacial cirque.
We can return the same way until linking La Fontona again and with the Arrudos path that ends in Caleao. The descent through Los Arrudos requires some caution if the slabs are wet. The demand and danger increases with bad weather, so it is recommended to take this excursion from mid-spring to mid-autumn.
Another alternative possible from Lake Ubales itself is continue to the town of Infiesta, where a support car will pick us up. The excursion in this case exceeds 22 kilometers in length. In this case, from Colláu Ubales we begin the descent to the Carbaza sheepfold, where the route connects with the old Camín de Castilla, which once was regularly traveled by the muleteers of the municipality of Caso. The itinerary continues to the left along this path, and easily reaches the La Canalina pass and, after it, the Pandu Vallegu pass, a place where it will not be strange to enjoy the spectacle of one of the herds of chamois that frequent the area. All that remains is to descend towards the Pasaoriu cabins along the wide path that leads to La Infiesta, beautiful village final destination of the alternative itinerary.
Lake Ubales from San Isidro
This is the most comfortable option, because in just five kilometers one way and another many kilometers back we will have completed the excursion and enjoyed the lake and its wonderful surroundings. In this case we will access Ubales from Leonese lands, starting from Port of San Isidro, after passing the Urbanization and Venta de San Isidro, where the so-called «Wamba Road«. There is good parking nearby. We travel along a good dirt track towards the stream The Fornos and then towards the Collada Acebal, border with Asturias. Here we find the hut of an old shelter and two alternative paths. One leaves to the right towards Brañagallons, the other ascendant leads to Lake Ubales along a narrow path in the foothills of Cascayón. After the Collada Acebal a fabulous panorama opens up: Cantu del Oso, Tiatordos, Maciédome, Picos de Europa, Ten, Pileñes. Below Mericueria, beyond Brañagallones.
The path continues along the slope until La Xara Hill, where we begin to descend heading northwest. Once down, in a final turn towards the west, we have before us the hidden glacier. Lake Ubales.
After enjoying the beauty and tranquility that the place transmits, we begin our way back along the same itinerary.
Information of interest
Route: Caleao- Lake Ubales – La Infiesta
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 8 hours
Slope: 1000 m.
Difficulty: medium-high
Note: support car necessary for pick-up at La Infiesta.
Route: San Isidro – Lake Ubales
Starting and finishing point: Wamba Bridge on the road before reaching the San Isidro Ski Resort.
Distance: 11,6 kilometers.
Slope: 300 m.
Difficulty: low-medium
Photographs: asturias.com and © Roberto Molero on Flickr
