Group Walks with The English Walking Guide Spring 2024
March
Archduke’s Trail - Thursday 7
A circular walk from Valldemossa which initially passes through a private estate to a
dramatically positioned Mirador overlooking the sea. It continues along a ridge, with
views towards Palma, to a refuge which makes a perfect snack spot with views towards
Port Sóller. After visiting the cave where a hermit monk dwelt over 200 years ago, the
route ascends and joins the famous trail with spectacular views over part of the north
western coastline. A few interesting island stories along the way!
14km - 750m ascent/descent - 4.5 hours
Intermediate
Sóller to Deià via Llucalcari - Thursday 14
A linear walk from Sóller to Deià. It ascends the Cami de Rocafort on the southern side of the valley passing through olive groves and crosses the line of the famous railway from Palma to Sóller. It joins the GR221 for a short time with a break for cakes and orange juice at Son Mico (a must). Continuing the route descends to Llucalcari and the coastal path. It follows this path to Cala Deià and finally ascends to Deià. It may be possible to arrange lunch in Deià. Return to Sóller or Port by bus.
12km - 500m ascent/380m descent
4.5hrs Easy/Intermediate
Puig de n’Ali - Thursday 21
A circular walk from Caimari involving a steep ascent to one of the most remarkable peaks on the island with panoramic views of the mountains and plain. An unusual flat rock on the summit makes a perfect vantage point. After descending to the Coll de sa Linia the path follows a torrent and passes through tranquil valleys before joining the GR222 and returning to Caimari. The walking writer, Paddy Dillon, rates it one of his favourite walks.
12km - 900m ascent/descent -
5 hours Difficult
Alaró Castle - Thursday 28
A circular walk from Alaró on the eastern side of the Tramuntana range. After leaving Alaró we follow a track and then a path which goes through the Pas de s’Escaleta to the Orient Valley. There are views of the Three Peaks and Tossals Verds. The path then ascends to the ruins of the once impregnable castle on the summit of Puig d’Alaró. There are impressive 360º views from the summit and the opportunity to learn about the castle’s history. On our descent we can detour to the famous lamb restaurant at Es Verger for lunch before returning to Alaró.
14km - 650m ascent/descent -
4.5 hours Intermediate
APRIL
Three Peaks - Thursday 4
A circular walk from Cuber reservoir to the three majestic 1000m plus peaks which overlook it. Fabulous panoramic views with a real sense of being in the midst of the mountains. The ascent to sa Rateta follows a path from the reservoir dam up an Sshaped gully and the descent from Puig de l’Ofre avoids the tricky path on its southern side.
13km - 650m ascent/descent -
5 hours Intermediate/difficult
Sa Bassa - Thursday 11
A figure of 8 walk from the square in Fornalutx to the peak of Puig de sa Bassa (820m) on the north western side of the Sóller Valley. The route follows the Cami de s’Alzina Fumadora, a mostly stepped path, and crosses an area of carritx grass to reach the top. On the descent there is a bird’s eye view of Port Sóller and the route joins the Cami de s’Alzinaret passing olivars, a stream bed and astonishingly an old abandoned car on the way to Fornalutx.
11km - 750m ascent/descent -
4 hours Intermediate
Cala Tuent - Thursday 18
One of the iconic walks on the island. It is a linear walk form the Mirador de ses Barques, overlooking Sóller and the Port, to the unspoiled beach at Cala Tuent. The route descends gently into the Balitx Valley passing through olive groves and a copse. From the floor of The Valley, which resembles a rock cauldron, you ascend to the Coll de Biniamar and on to the cliff side path of Sa Costera with magnificent sea views. A short descent at the end of sa Costera leads to the Cala. You first pass a restaurant, Es Vergeret, which has a terrace above the Cala. It’s a great lunch venue and booking is advised. You can swim at the beach. At about 5pm there is a boat to Port Sóller. For many this trip is a highlight of the day, enjoying views of the island from the seaward side.
The journey takes 45 minutes.
12km - 250m ascent
Puig Tomir via Pas del Diable - Thursday 25
A circular mountain hike from Binifaldó outside Lluc to the impressive 1100m peak of Tomir. After leaving Binifaldó the path joins the GR221 and then ascends through woodland to the Pas on the western flank of the mountain. There are magnificent views over the north of the island and, from the peak, views across the central plain. The descent is through the Coll de Pedregaret and returns to Binifaldó. Rocky, loose terrain in places and involves some scrambling.
13km - 700m ascent/descent -
5 hours Difficult
MAY
Esporles to Banyalbufar - Thursday 2
A linear walk from the town of Esporles along tracks and rocky paths which ascend at first and then descend to Port Canonge along an old fisherman’s path. After the opportunity for a swim, the route follows a coastal track which fringes the Son Bunyola Estate and leads to Banyalbufar. Following a refreshing drink, we return to Esporles by bus (a 20 minute journey).
13.5km - 425m ascent/500m descent -
4 hours 30 minutes Intermediate
Alfabia Ridge to Cuber - Thursday 9
A demanding yet rewarding linear walk along the high ridge overlooking the Sóller Valley which finishes in the midst of the mountains at Cuber reservoir. Starting in Sóller, the route ascends towards the antennae and follows a path along the ridge, visiting a number of 1000m plus peaks and the distinctive Cornador Gran with its crow’s nest mirador. Often one sees many vultures. Descending to the GR221 at the top of the Barranc de Biniaraix, the route then ascends to the Coll de l’Ofre and finally gently descends to the reservoir.
20km - 1450m ascent/750m descent -
7 hours Difficult
Archduke’s Trail - Wednesday 15
A circular walk from Valldemossa which initially passes through a private estate to a dramatically positioned Mirador overlooking the sea. It continues along a ridge, with views towards Palma, to a refuge which makes a perfect snack spot with views towards Port Sóller. After visiting the cave where a hermit monk dwelt over 200 years ago, the route ascends and joins the famous trail with spectacular views over part of the north western coastline. A few interesting island stories along the way! 1
4km - 750m ascent/descent -
4.5 hours Intermediate
Puig Tossals Verds & Puig de sa Font - Thursday 23
Starting at Cuber reservoir, this circular route begins on the GR221 and then follows a seldom trod path to the peak of Tossals Verds. It makes a perfect picnic stop with great views of the surrounding mountains and plain. The path descends to a sheltered valley and ascends to Puig de sa Font. It joins a section of the GR221 and returns to Cuber. A hike which brings a real sense of being in a wilderness.
One short section of scrambling. 11km - 550m ascent/descent -
4.5 hours Intermediate
Sóller to Deià via Llucalcari - thursday 30
A linear walk from Sóller to Deià. It ascends the Cami de Rocafort on the southern side of the valley passing through olive groves and across the line of the famous railway from Palma to Sóller. It joins the GR221 for a short time with a break for cakes and orange juice at Son Mico (a must). Continuing the route descends to Llucalcari and the coastal path. It follows this path to Cala Deià and finally ascends to Deià. It may be possible to arrange lunch in Deià. Return to Sóller or Port by bus.
12km - 500m ascent/380m descent -
4.5hrs Easy/Intermediate
Notes
Price for each hike 35€ per person except: Puig de n’Ali on 21 March - 40€ Puig Tomir on 25 April - 40€ Alfabia Ridge on 9 May - 45€
A minimum of 4 persons per walk.
Times are approximate and do not include stops.
Provisional start time for each walk is 09:00.
For further information please contact me: +34 654 706 095 info@theenglishwalkingguide.com Instagram @englishwalkingguide
On other days I am also available for private tours.
Jeremy
The English Walking Guide