Lago de la Ercina

These routes start and end at the Lago de la Ercina lakes (Ercina and Enol), the busiest visiting points of the Picos de Europa’s western massif, partly we guess because lakes are so rare in these limestone ranges. High and isolated (but for the visitors!), they are set in classic pastures, impassable from November to May, that afford great views (when cloud allows) of pastoral landscape amidst the crags, glacial lakes and lush turf scattered with a host of seasonal wildflowers, with the jagged peaks as backdrop one way and a wide expanse of Atlantic the other.

One of the advantages of this area is that if offers opportunities for groups of mixed enthusiasm and ability to split up and please themselves: a (very beautiful) 4km circuit around a hill and visiting the two lakes; a 7.5km circuit (subject to mist) and a 16km hike (with a couple of steep ascents and descents) up to the wild, empty vegas at the Refugio de Ario. See “Routes” in Practical Information below.

Important: This area has a peculiar weather structure which often produces thick mists in the afternoon; the descent path (walks 2 and 3) from Majada de la Redondella is easy to lose and should not be attempted under these conditions; simply reverse your route back to Lago de la Ercina. Take a good map. Also note: however tempting, swimming is not allowed in the lakes.

Don’t bother coming in summer if you like seclusion (And access can be painful, too). See “Practical Information” below.

See our Picos de Europa page for general information.