ES Somiedo with children
Somiedo has plenty to do with children without long hikes: an adapted path that starts in Pola de Somiedo itself, a lake twenty minutes from the car, brañas with thatched teito cabins, the Ecomuseum and bear-watching viewpoints with a car park. This guide lists them from least to most effort.
The easiest walks
From shortest to longest, with the figures from each trail sheet:
| Outing | From | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lago de la Cueva | Alto de La Farrapona | About 1 km | 20 min one way |
| Accessible Path | Pola de Somiedo | 2 km | 1 h |
| Braña de La Pornacal | Villar de Vildas | Just over 3 km | 1 h 10 one way |
| Castro route | La Malva recreational area | 4 km | 1 h 30 |
- Accessible Path The most comfortable: it leaves the village over a wooden bridge, has 30 metres of ascent, rest areas with picnic tables and panels also in braille, and it is adapted for reduced mobility.
- Lago de la Cueva The lake closest to a car park: 20 minutes from the Alto de La Farrapona along a gently descending track. The way back is uphill.
- La Pornacal A comfortable track climbs the valley from Villar de Vildas to one of the largest groups of thatched teito cabins in the park.
- For older children The walk up to Lago del Valle (6 km and 2 h 30 one way) or the Saliencia lakes loop (7.6 km, between 3 and 5 hours).
Bears and wildlife
The Caunedo viewpoint is the most comfortable with children: it has a car park, picnic tables and panels on good wildlife-watching practice, and it is wheelchair accessible.
You need binoculars and patience: to the naked eye, a bear on the slope opposite is a dot. The best times are dawn and dusk, and the best seasons spring and late summer. Full details in bear watching in Somiedo; the Fundación Oso Pardo runs guided outings from Pola.
Museums and visits
The Somiedo Ecomuseum has two sites: the old school in Caunedo, devoted to traditional trades and transhumance, and "La Casa" in Veigas, three traditional houses with their thatched teito roofs.
In Pola, the park visitor centre explains the park with educational displays (telephone +34 985 76 37 58), and in mid-August the village holds the Mercao de Nueite, a night market of local produce.
Where to stay with children
Pola de Somiedo is the most practical base: it has every service and the Accessible Path starts in the village. Its campsite, La Pomarada, has a playground and river access, with the heated municipal pool 200 metres away. If you want to walk to Lago del Valle without taking the car, Valle de Lago.
Before you set out
- These are high mountains: bring warm clothing even in summer, plus water and food.
- Keep to the paths and take your litter home: you are in a natural park.
- Dogs always on a lead.
- In winter, the road to the Alto de La Farrapona can be closed by snow.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Somiedo with children?
Short walks such as the Accessible Path in Pola de Somiedo, Lago de la Cueva 20 minutes from the La Farrapona car park, the thatched cabins of La Pornacal, the Ecomuseum in Caunedo and Veigas, and the bear-watching viewpoints, such as the one at Caunedo, which has a car park and picnic tables.
What is the easiest walk in Somiedo for children?
The Accessible Path, which starts in Pola de Somiedo itself: 2 km, about 30 metres of ascent and an hour, with rest areas and information panels also in braille. It is adapted for reduced mobility and you return the same way.
Can you see a Somiedo lake with young children?
Yes. Lago de la Cueva is 20 minutes from the car park at the Alto de La Farrapona along a gently descending track; the way back is uphill. Lago del Valle, on the other hand, is 6 km and two and a half hours uphill.
Where can you watch bears with children in Somiedo?
The Caunedo viewpoint is the most comfortable: it has a car park, picnic tables and information panels, and it is wheelchair accessible. You need binoculars and patience, and the best times are dawn and dusk.
Where to stay in Somiedo with children?
Pola de Somiedo is the most practical base: it has every service, the Accessible Path starts in the village and La Pomarada campsite has a playground, with the heated municipal pool 200 metres away. To walk to Lago del Valle without the car, Valle de Lago.