Lagos de Saliencia with Kids: Our Somiedo Lakes Hike
The one mountain day of our July 2021 Asturias trip. We drove inland from the coast to Somiedo Natural Park with Damian (8) and Marc (5) and hiked to the Saliencia lakes: high glacial lakes in a bare limestone valley, with cows grazing all the way along the trail.
The short version
- Start: Alto de la Farrapona car park, reached by a paved road.
- Full loop: about 8 km, 700 m of climbing, 3 hours, medium difficulty.
- Lakes: La Cueva, Cerveriz and Calabazosa (Lago Negro), plus the small Almagrera lagoon.
- With kids: the full loop is for older children used to hiking. Younger ones can walk to the first lake and back.
- When: summer to early autumn. In spring, snow patches make it dangerous.
Short on time? Our top 3 picks in Somiedo
Pensión Casa Cesáreo – Pola de Somiedo, simple rural rooms and one of the best-value stays in the park.
Auriz Turismo Rural – Pola de Somiedo, apartments that feel more like a house, good for families.
Palacio Flórez Estrada – Pola de Somiedo, a historic palace with well-kept gardens.
Getting to Alto de la Farrapona
The trail starts at the Alto de la Farrapona pass, reached on a paved road through the village of Saliencia, which has a bar and a hostel serving meals. There’s plenty of parking at the top, but it fills on summer weekends, so arrive early. From the coast around Cudillero, allow around two hours each way.
The Saliencia lakes hike
The circular route links Lago de la Cueva, Cerveriz and Calabazosa, the dark “black lake”. It’s around 8 km with 700 m of ascent and takes about 3 hours. The narrow stretch between Calabazosa and La Cueva is steep and can feel exposed if you don’t like heights, though it isn’t dangerous in dry weather.
We passed cows the whole way up. Cattle graze these high summer pastures freely, so keep a respectful distance, close any gates behind you, and keep dogs on a lead.
Is the Saliencia lakes hike suitable for kids?
For older children with some hiking experience, yes. For younger ones, turn it into an out-and-back to the first lake and let them set the pace. Bring layers and water. The weather in the mountains changes fast, even in July.
Where to stay for Somiedo
We did Saliencia as a long day trip from the coast. If you’d rather not drive four hours in a day, stay a night in Pola de Somiedo. The box above has three options.
More: Our Asturias road trip · Novellana, our base
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Lagos de Saliencia hike start?
At the Alto de la Farrapona pass in Somiedo Natural Park, reached by a paved road through the village of Saliencia. There is a car park at the top.
How long is the Lagos de Saliencia hike?
The circular route is about 8 km with 700 m of ascent and takes around 3 hours. It is rated medium difficulty.
Can kids do the Saliencia lakes hike?
Older children used to hiking can do the full loop. With younger children, walk to the first lake and back instead.
When is the best time to hike the Saliencia lakes?
Summer to early autumn. In spring, snow patches on the trail can be dangerous without mountain equipment.
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