The mountains of Mallorca are beckoning and we are set to visit again in September. The week long trip will combine some amazing mountain and gorge scrambling with opportunities to see the black vultures and eleonoras falcons, rare on mainland Spain. Combined with the mountain and sea backdrops it is a potent mix.
Looking north along the ridge
There are a few places left on this trip for those interested. Dates 3rd to 10th September. Alternative dates on request throughout the year (except July and August).
Although there is no rock climbing as such, the standard of the scrambling is high and a rope is used for security purposes at times. A good head for heights is necessary! Detours are possible in some places if easier alternatives are preferred. Early starts are necessary due to the afternoon heat, but this ensures an early finish to enjoy other delights of Mallorca.
We have 5 fantastic tours in our itinerary:
(1) The Cavall Bernat Ridge (see below) (2) The peak of Massenella (3) The Torrente de Pareis gorge (4) The peak of Tomir (5) The Mortitx gorge
More information on each of these is available at Mallorca scrambling and walking holidays. Please use our contact form to make any enquiries.
Highlights
The Cavall Bernat Ridge
The Cavall Bernat main tower
A highlight. Within walking distance from our base in Puerto Pollensa. A jagged "Skye" type ridge rising 350m vertically from the sea. The first tower provides a bravery test, but proves to be simpler than it looks when the rock is actually to hand. The rough sharp limestone makes for slow going along the ridge crest. After passing the "window", a feature of the ridge, we arrive at the descent of the double tower.
This is the crux and the inexperienced or nervous may prefer the security of a rope as they downclimb to the easy col beyond. From here on the going is much easier although time consuming. Great views to Cala San Vicente to the right and Puerto Pollensa to the left.
For the birdwatchers it is very likely that you will spot the Elonoras Falcon as it swoops in and out of the ridge crest.
High quality ridge scrambling
On arrival at the final peak on the ridge we drop rightwards and pick up a faint path that leads to the flat col and a return to the port and a welcome beer and swim.
7 hours round trip. Scrambling grade 3+. An unforgettable excursion not to be missed!
The Peak of Massenella
A great mountain day walking past Gorg Blau and up through forested areas breaking out onto open hillsides in a lovely valley. Above you are almost certain to see black vultures and maybe griffon vultures riding the thermals.
From a high pass we take an exposed traverse path up to the summit. A rope may be required here for a short section but apart from that it is excellent scrambling terrain of moderate difficulty.
Southwards from Massenella
The lofty summit provides good all round views and a welcome break before we head down the south ridge which gives us more scrambling opportunities for whatever grade you wish. All on quality limestone. A final sting in the tail exists before rejoining the ascent route at the forest.
This is a long day. 8 hours. Scrambling grade 1/2 but a short section of 3+.
The Torrente de Pareis gorge
For variety we always include this gorge scramble. We go from bottom to top. Start at Sa Colobra and and at Escorca. Short sections of scrambling amid wild spectacular gorge scenery before the final push to the waiting cars.
Dramatic scenery. Good grade 2 scrambling in places. 5.5 hrs.
The peak of Tomir
Descending from Tomir
A personal favourite and a fine, friendly mountain. Easy access and a short steep ascent mean the summit can be reached in just a hour 15 minutes after parking the car at Binifaldo. A short easy grade 1 step adds interest to the ascent. Great expansive views northward towards the Formentor peninsular.
For the birdwatchers the vultures accompany us throughout the day, sometimes coming quite close.
We normally descend NE towards the Col del Puig de Ca and then round via Aucanella. About 5hrs.
The Mortitx gorge
Another fine scrambling day but in more gentler surrounding than the Torrente de Pareis. Pathless and difficult, confusing terrain leads down to the coast and the start of the route back up the gorge. Some sections of scrambling and one exposed traverse above some rock pools make this an interesting and enjoyable day. 5 hours.