Saliencia lakes route from La Farrapona

Somiedo's best-known high-mountain route and the most rewarding: it starts already at 1,708 m, at Alto de la Farrapona, on the boundary with Babia, and in a quarter of an hour you are at the first lake. It is circular, 7.6 km and three to five hours, with 318 metres of cumulative ascent. La Farrapona is the highest pass in Asturias that you can reach by road.

Getting there

From Pola de Somiedo, take the road north, past the La Malva hydroelectric power station, and turn right towards Saliencia via Veigas, Villarín, Arbellales and Endriga. Alto de la Farrapona is about 7 km above Saliencia, and there is a large car park at the top. On the León side there is no paved road: do not continue unless you have a 4x4. In winter the pass usually has snow; ask first at the park reception centre, which reports on the state of the passes.

The route

From the car park follow the PR-AS 15 southwards with a gentle descent to Lago de la Cueva, a kilometre away, and its viewpoint. Next to it are the remains of the Santa Rita mine, of iron oxide, which worked until 1978: after heavy rain, the remains of the workings stain the lake water red. Climb in zigzags along an old mining track to Lago Almagrera or de la Mina, the smallest, which may dry out in very hot summers. Take the branch to Lago Cerveriz, in a flat meadow with the Picos Albos behind, and skirt its shore to Lago Calabazosa or Lago Negro, the biggest and deepest, about 4 km from the pass. Return along the dam and the other side of Lago de la Cueva to La Farrapona.

With children

Apart from the slope in the middle, the path is good and easy to follow, and the return is downhill. Turismo Asturias recommends it for families: on the first stretch a rock wall makes an echo, and on the shore of the Calabazosa and in the meadows there is room to run. If they get tired, turning back at Lago de la Cueva or the Cerveriz is already worthwhile.

What to see on the way

Glacial landforms, rounded rocks and moraines, cows almost throughout the valley and, with luck and binoculars, golden eagles. From the car park you see the glacial valley you have driven up and, to the east, the Ubiñas massif.

Before you go

It is high mountain, close to 1,800 metres: go in good weather and, in fog, stay at the first lake. Bring water, a warm layer and food, because there are no services at the top. If you want to see the other face of the park on the same weekend, the La Pornacal brana is in the neighbouring Pigüeña valley.