Valle de Lago: Nature, Trails and Traditional Teitos
Accommodation in Valle De Lago
Valle de Lago is the starting and finishing point of the 14.6-kilometre, moderately difficult circular hike to Lago del Valle in the mountains; the route is estimated to take more than five hours of walking. The hike begins at the car park at the end of the village, next to a spring. Beyond the El Outeiro spring, the access road to Lago del Valle begins; it is closed to motorised road traffic.
Which information you give weight to depends on your own travel plans and the type of stay you want.
Further places for your research: La Riera, El Coto, Arrojo, Castañedo de Miranda, Perlunes, Villamarín, Somiedo and Villar De Vildas.
Nature
Along the PR-AS 15.1 Ruta de Valle del Lago, chamois can be observed on the slopes beside the trail, while roe deer and various birds of prey, especially common buzzards and sparrowhawks, can be seen in the meadows. Lago del Valle is a lake of glacial origin surrounded by peaks. The Embalse del Valle belongs to the Conjunto Lacustre de Somiedo lake area and is located within Somiedo Natural Park. Among lakes of glacial origin, it is the largest lake in Asturias.
The route to Lago del Valle passes through Somiedo Natural Park and the Somiedo Biosphere Reserve, as well as through the Somiedo ZEC and Somiedo ZEPA areas of the Natura 2000 network. Access to the Embalse del Valle leads from La Pola Somiedo along a paved road to Valle de Lago and from there continues on foot through the valley. The return route of PR-AS 16.1 passes the Mirador de Peña Furada viewpoint.
Hiking and Trails
The route to Braña de Sousas is considered easy for children who are accustomed to hiking. The trail is wide and has a good, firm surface; it can be travelled by bicycle and by prams suitable for uneven terrain, or walked with them. The different information on the circular route, walking time and trail conditions helps to compare different daily rhythms.
Horseback riding Cobrana offers horseback rides in Valle de Lago; no previous experience or prior training is required. The rides lead to Braña de Sousas and Lago del Valle. S.L. 6 Ruta Coto–Valle de Lago (Camino de Cueva) is listed as a route in the Somiedo area.
Culture
Teitos can be seen along the route through Valle de Lago: traditional buildings with roofs made of plant material, associated with the livestock-farming history of these mountains. Several well-preserved teitos remain in Braña del Gabitón, in a landscape of great scenic value. After reaching Lago del Valle, the route allows for a short detour to Teito Cobrana.
In the last district of Valle de Lago, L´Auteiro, there is the only preserved and still functioning mill with a teito roof. A guided visit to the Molín de teito de L´Auteiro mill includes a demonstration of its operation and of grain milling. The mill is still functioning and grinds grain for visitors.
At the level of the village, the circular route reaches the Church of Santa María Magdalena. Braña de Sousas is considered one of the best-preserved brañas and has a particularly large number of corros. Corros are circular stone huts topped with a false dome made of stone slabs. The Casa de teito in Valle de Lago is one of the cultural attractions.
To the higher-level travel overview: Camín Real De La Mesa.
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