Camín Real de la Mesa Trail

Discover one of the most iconic historical trails in northern Spain, just a few kilometers from Villa Caunedo.

This ancient route once connected the Castilian plateau with the Cantabrian coast. It runs along the mountain ridge and offers breathtaking views of the Somiedo Natural Park and the Asturian valleys. Used since Roman times as a route for trade and communication, the Camín Real de la Mesa is now a privileged path for hikers and history enthusiasts.

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📍 Recommended starting point: Alto de San Lorenzo (accessible from La Riera or Pola de Somiedo)
📏 Approx. distance: 17 km
⏱ Estimated duration: 5–6 hours (linear, one-way)
🟢 Difficulty: Moderate
🗺 Route type: Linear, though it can be adapted into shorter circular segments
🌄 Max altitude: 1,780 m

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What makes this trail special?

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• Living history beneath your feet: Once a Roman road and later used for transhumance, trade, and travel. Cobbled stretches and milestones still remain.

• Breathtaking landscapes: The trail runs through high-altitude zones with views of the Ubiña Massif and the Somiedo valley. On clear days, you can even spot the sea.

• Raw nature: Chamois, golden eagles, and—if you're lucky—the elusive brown bear may be seen along the way.

• Cultural heritage: Old inns, shepherd shelters, and livestock structures dot the trail.

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How to get there from Villa Caunedo?

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The nearest access point is from La Riera or Pola de Somiedo, just a 15–20 minute drive from Villa Caunedo.

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Castro Trail (PR‑AS 13)

An easy and charming walk near Villa Caunedo—perfect for disconnecting in nature.

📍 Starting point: La Malva Recreation Area (AS‑227 road)
📏 Distance: 3.8–7.5 km (round trip or short circular loop)
⏱ Duration: About 1 h 30 min (linear)
🟢 Difficulty: Low – suitable for all levels
⛰ Max elevation: ~792 m, with elevation gain of 210–237 m
🗺 Route type: Short circular (or out-and-back)

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What makes this trail special?

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• Ancient holm oaks and diverse vegetation: Includes maples, hazelnut trees, ash, and more—identified with information panels.

• La Malva Cave: A natural rock shelter with a spring—perfect for a peaceful break.

• Natural viewpoints: Panoramic views over the Pigüeña River valley and surrounding peaks.

• Birdwatching opportunities: Spot choughs, kestrels, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles.

• Peaceful scenery: Mixes shaded woodland with open meadows and traditional mountain pasturelands, ending at the quaint village of Castro.

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How to get there from Villa Caunedo?

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Drive along the AS‑227 toward Pola de Somiedo. In just 10–15 minutes, you’ll reach the La Malva picnic area—the ideal starting point.

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Saliencia Lakes Trail (PR‑AS 15)

A spectacular hike through one of Somiedo’s glacial gems—an unforgettable experience just minutes from Villa Caunedo.

📍 Start/End point: Alto de la Farrapona (1,710 m), on the border between Asturias and León
📏 Route type: Circular routes between 8 and 15 km, depending on variant
⏱ Duration options:

• Short: ~8 km (~2 h 45 min), includes three main lakes

• Medium: ~14 km (~4 h 30 min), includes Valle de Lago

• Long: ~18 km (~6 h 30 min), covers the full glacial basin

🟢 Difficulty: Easy to medium, depending on route and altitude

⛰ Elevation gain: 350–700 m

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What makes this trail special?

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• Glacial lake system within a mountain cirque: Includes Lago de la Cueva, Almagrera (La Mina), Cerveriz, and Calabazosa (or Lago Negro), with water colors shifting from deep blue to turquoise.

• Exceptional biodiversity: A ZEPA zone and Biosphere Reserve—home to brown bears, golden eagles, otters, vultures, and a wide range of amphibians.

• Clearly marked route: Starts from the mountain pass and circles the lakes, passing old mining sites and offering extensions toward Valle de Lago.

• Scenic beauty for photographers: Brañas (pasturelands), rocky ridges, and mirror-like reflections in the lakes make this a paradise for photos.

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How to get there from Villa Caunedo?

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About 20–25 minutes by car. Follow the AS‑15 to Pola de Somiedo, then continue up the AS‑227 to Alto de la Farrapona.

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La Pornacal and Braña de los Cuartos Trail (PR‑AS‑14.1)

A scenic and cultural walk through the most iconic vaqueiro pastures of Somiedo, just over 30 minutes from Villa Caunedo.

📍 Starting point: Villar de Vildas (870 m), named “Exemplary Village” of Asturias
📏 Distance: 12–15.5 km circular, depending on the route variant
🟢 Difficulty: Easy
⛰ Max elevation: 1,350–1,406 m
🗺 Route type: Circular (mainly on track)

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What makes this trail special?

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• La Pornacal: The largest and best-preserved vaqueiro braña in Somiedo, with 32–34 traditional thatched-roof huts (“teitos”) in several clusters.

• Braña de los Cuartos (Braña Viecha): One of the oldest settlements in the region, accessible after crossing the Corralón waterfall.

• Corralón Waterfall: A refreshing and scenic stop just after La Pornacal.

• Protected environment: Within the Somiedo Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve—home to deer, chamois, golden eagles, and brown bears.

• Cultural heritage: These historical settlements reflect centuries of high-mountain shepherding, with teitos still maintained today.

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How to get there from Villa Caunedo:

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About 25 minutes by car: follow the AS‑227 to Pola de Somiedo, then continue along the SD‑2 to Villar de Vildas (~20 km).

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Valle del Lago Trail (PR‑AS 15.1)

An accessible and panoramic hike that connects the charming village of Valle de Lago to its iconic glacial lake.

📍 Start point: Valle de Lago (~1,200 m), in the Somiedo Natural Park
📏 Distance: ~5.8 km round trip (standard route); circular variants up to 10–13 km
⏱ Estimated duration: 2 h 30 min to 4 h (depending on route)
🟢 Difficulty: Easy; ideal for families and casual walkers
⛰ Elevation gain: ~334 m; max altitude ~1,570 m
🗺 Route type: Linear (can be extended into a loop)

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What makes this trail special?

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• Lago del Valle: The largest and deepest glacial lake in Somiedo, surrounded by stunning mountains. Its tranquility and natural beauty are unforgettable.

• Living rural landscape: The path winds past meadows, traditional teito-roof huts, old watermills, and highland pastures showing the mountain way of life.

• Protected fauna and flora: Otters, brown bears, salamanders, and birds of prey such as golden eagles inhabit this area.

• Well-marked trail: A wide and stable path, clearly signposted and safe—perfect for children and families.

• Two natural variants: The "sun route" and "shade route" let you adapt the walk to weather and personal preference.

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How to get there from Villa Caunedo?

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Drive along the AS‑227 toward Pola de Somiedo, then continue about 8 km to Valle de Lago. The journey takes about 20–25 minutes.

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