Lake Ercina with the snow capped peaks in the distance
Many hundreds of thousands of people come to visit the lakes of Covadonga every year and when you arrive there and see such a beautiful setting you can understand why. But despite the affluence of people (who come mostly in July and August) it’s still very easy to take a short walk and soon get away from the crowds and enjoy such outstanding scenery with out the masses.
Walking on the edge of Lake Ercina
This walk starts at the car park by “Lake Ercina” and you gently walk along the waters edge admiring the dramatic scenery before climbing very slightly to a stone hut. In times gone by many families would past the summer months in these stone huts in the mountains looking after their animals. In this hut an elderly lady still passes the summer months making and selling cheeses and tending to her animals
The path towards the stone huts
You soon come to a small group of ruined huts overlooking El Bricial; a lake which only has water at times of heavy rain or snow thaw. From here the path goes over a rocky slope where in one point the National park has cut some of the rock to make it easier to walk along.
Lke Ercina
After passing a tiny chapel you come to Lake Enol which you pass round the edge by means of some conveniently placed stepping stones before arriving at a few more stone huts. From here there is a newish paved stone path which takes you over the glacial Moraine back to Lake Ercina with some more stunning views on the way.
Technical Information
Map Circular Walk Lakes of Covadonga
Download GPS Tracks from Wikiloc
Self guided walking notes and GPS trail available for guests from the hotel
| Type of walk | Circular |
| Starting Point | Car park at Lake Ercina |
| Finishing Point | Car park at Lake Ercina |
| Public transport options | Only in high season |
| Grading | Easy |
| Total Length | 5 kms |
| Total Ascent | 100 m |
| Altitude | 1160 – 1070 – 1160 |
| Total Walking time | 2 hours |
| Terrain | Paths and tracks sometimes rocky |
| Navigation | Easy |
| Refreshments | Bar at Lake Ercina |
| Map | Mapa Adrados Western massif |
