Moderate

Route from El Puerto to Valle del Lago

Somiedo Natural Park

9.5 Km

Distance

4h 30min

Duration

200 m

Elevation

About the route

Connection route between the upper area of the port and the largest glacial valley of Somiedo. From Santa María del Puerto, it crosses pastures and brañas such as Sousas to descend to the Lake Valley.

Route Description

This journey (PR.AS-16) offers a different perspective of the park, linking the Santa María del Puerto plateau with the deep Valle del Lago.

The trail starts from Santa María and takes us into the protected landscape, passing near the Braña de Sousas, famous for its stone ‘corros’. The path winds between stone walls (murias) that separate the harvested meadows, in an environment where it is common to spot chamois on the nearby peaks.

The final descent takes us to the town of Valle de Lago, in the heart of the park. It is a linear route that allows you to enjoy the transition between the port landscape and the closed valley.

Recommendations

As a 9.5 km linear route between two different points, it’s worth planning the return trip (two vehicles or organised transport) before setting out. With nearly 4h 30min of walking and a moderate 200 m elevation gain, it’s advisable to carry water and sun protection, since much of the route crosses open pastures and brañas.

Route