september
Sóller to Deià via Llucalcari - Thursday 24th
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 Soller to Palma railway. It joins the GR221 for a short time before descending to Llucalcari and the coastal path. It continues along this path to Cala Deià and finally ascends to Deià. En route you can stop at Son Mico for fresh orange juice and cakes. Along the coast there is the opportunity to swim. Also it is possible to arrange lunch in Deià. Return to Sóller or Port by bus.
12km - 500m ascent/380m descent - 4.5hrs
Easy / Intermediate
october
Serra des Teixos - Thursday 1st
This is a proper off-piste hike from Cuber reservoir to Lluc. Starting on the GR221, we follow the canal (connecting the two reservoirs) to a point where we ascend a gully to the Coll de sa Trona, with views towards Puig d’Alarò and the valley below. After an easy upward scramble we join the ridge of Teixos and head north. The views either side of the ridge are special and we are unlikely to encounter anyone else. At the end of the ridge we rejoin the GR221 at the Coll des Prat and follow it past ice houses to Lluc. There is always time for refreshment, and maybe the chance to explore the monastery, before catching the bus to the start point.
15km - 750m ascent/850m descent - 5 hours 30 minutes
Difficult
Puig Galatzò - Monday 5th
This circular walk approaches the prominent peak of Galatzó from the western side, passing through wooded slopes and onto steep rocky terrain. Although only 1027m in height the pyramid-shaped mountain stands proud and distinctive at the south western end of the Serra de Tramuntana. The panoramic views from the summit are spectacular, including the Bay of Palma and the central plain to the east. The descent is made on a different rugged path which leads to a point close to the start. Two short scrambles.
11km - 850m ascent/descent - 5 hours
Intermediate / Difficult
Talaia d’Alcùdia - Thursday 8th
A circular walk from the Victoria Hermitage in the Alcúdia peninsula which incorporates the old cannon emplacement at Penya des Migdia and the peak of Talaia d’Alcùdia. Leaving the Hermitage the route heads north passing through a short tunnel to the emplacement with its commanding view towards Menorca. On a clear day the outline of the island is visible. After retracing our steps a short way the route ascends to the peak of Talaia d’Alcúdia. One can see across the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia. The descent is via the refuge at Coll Baix and through valleys to the Hermitage. A mixture of history and dramatic views. Some scrambling.
13km - 700m ascent/descent - 5 hours
Intermediate / Difficult
Alfabia Ridge - Thursday 15th
A demanding yet rewarding circular walk along the high ridge overlooking the Sóller Valley. 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. After the route joins the GR221 and returns through the Barranc de Biniaraix eventually to Sóller. It offers commanding views of the Sóller Valley.
17km - 1200m ascent/descent - 7 hours
Difficult
Archduke’s Trail - Thursday 22nd
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 picnic spot with Port Sóller in the distance. After visiting the cave where a hermit monk dwelt over 200 years ago the route ascends and joins the famous trail with vistas over part of the north western coastline. A few interesting island stories along the way before returning to the start point.
14km - 750m ascent/descent - 4.5 hours
Intermediate
Alaró Castle - Thursday 29th
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
november
Canaleta de Massanella - Thursday 5th
A chance to walk along the old stone water channel and aqueduct, constructed in the 18th century, which brought water from Font des Prat to Finca Massanella. This circular walk begins at the Finca outside Mancor de la Vall, ascends to the channel and follows it to the Font. After a short section on the GR221, we cross through valleys and follow a northern route which affords a view towards the Bay of Alcúdia. From there we return to the start point.
15km - 700m ascent/descent - 5 hours 30 minutes
Intermediate/difficult
Puig de ses Vinyes - Thursday 12th
This is a spectacular, technically demanding circular hike along the backbone of mountains between Puig Major and Gorg Blau reservoir leading to the summit of ses Vinyes. It involves scrambling and, in places, crossing karst limestone with care. The culmination is an almost vertical 10m scramble to the summit. The return leg is simpler. After an initial sharp descent, we walk through a valley of karst and woodland.
The route is for experienced hikers with a good head for heights and sense of balance. Often one is lucky to be rewarded by a vulture fly past. The views are dramatic.
7.5km - 400m ascent/descent - 4 hours
Very difficult
NB Maximum of 3 persons
Puig de n’Ali - Thursday 19th
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. After descending to the Coll de sa Linia the path follows a torrent and passes through peaceful valleys before joining the GR222 and returning to Caimari. A big favourite of the walking writer, Paddy Dillon. A few short scrambles.
12km - 900m ascent/descent - 5 hours
Difficult
Caimari Loop - Thursday 26th
A circular walk from Caimari which takes you through seldom trod, tranquil valleys with views eastwards across the central plain. The route begins in the village of Caimari and goes north along the GR222 through the Pas des Grau to the Coll de sa Bataia. Turning eastwards the route descends through beautiful valleys and woodland. The old abandoned farmhouse at ses Figueroles makes a good lunch stop. Continuing, the path descends further passing lime kilns and across a dry torrent bed. From there a track leads to the hamlet of Binibona. On the final section to Caimari along a ruta verde you often see hoopoes skimming the fields. In the village you can enjoy well-earned refreshments.
16km - 530m ascent/descent - 5 hours
Intermediate
Notes
Price per person for each hike:
Cala Tuent - 60€ (including boat fare)
Canaleta de Massanella - 50€ (including 6€ entry)
Puig Tossals Verds - 45€
Sóller to Deià - 40€
Serra des Teixos - 50€
Puig de Galatzó. - 45€
Talaia d’Alcùdia - 50€
Alfabia Ridge - 50€
Archduke’s Trail - 40€
Alaró Castle - 45€
Puig de ses Vinyes - 100€
Puig de n’Ali - 45€
Caimari Loop - 45€
A minimum of 4 persons per walk except ses Vinyes which is 3.
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.
For further information please contact me:+34 654 706 095
info@theenglishwalkingguide.com
Instagram @englishwalkingguide
Jeremy
The English Walking Guide