Report of scrambling and climbing along the wonderful Cavall Bernat ridge in Mallorca, probably the best high class ridge scramble in the med! The heat of the day necessitated a pre dawn start from Cala San Vicente. We made our way up to the first peak heading north west from the Siller Pass. The cloud cover and light showers began to disperse and the rising sun gave the sky marvellous warm tinges.
sunrise-cavell-bernat-ridge-mallorca
From the first peak on the ridge you drop gently and easily down into a shallow valley that leads to the ridge proper. Here is where the fun begins! There is a slight track marked by cairns that twists in and out of the ridgeline generally on the less steep right hand side (SE). The drop to the left is 350m vertical straight down to the sea.
This first section provides generally easy scrambling interspersed with some shorter trickier sections. Harder options always exist for the more adventurous. Things change when you arrive at the base of the double tower. This is the crux and a rope will be required for security by all but the more experienced rock climbers, especially in descent. This is a 40m climb and provides good holds all the way.
The first tower from the window ledge
Thereafter it is a simple walk to the top of the tower. Beyond a small gap there can be some confusion as a cairned track leads down rightwards to by pass the window and second tower. Keep high and you will start to find other cairns showing the correct way. A small exposed drop down to a col signifies the start of the "window" section.
High quality ridge scrambling
The "Window" is a huge rounded hole in the rock some 2m down from the ridge crest. It is clearly visible from the Boquer valley far below. There is a loose corner to traverse and then a direct climb up to the top of the window ledge on good holds. This is a fantastic and atmospheric spot for lunch!
the-window
Beyond is the summit of the second tower. The descent of this can be tricky if the route is not known in advance. Rope required for the nervous here, although the actual scrambling grade is not that high. Basically you drop down a series of sloping ledges. Its amazing that such a steep cliff face can have such a relatively easy way down it.
Arriving at the col you could carry on to enjoy the further delights found along the harder sections further along the ridge. If the beers from the bars in Puerto de Pollensa are calling then you can drop off here on stony loose ground to gain the Boquer valley and a simple return to the town.
The double tower from the Boquer Valley
The whole ridge is a excellent day outing taking between 6 and 8 hours. You can make the scrambling easier or harder, or even take in more difficult rock climbing options. Certainly not to be missed if you are in the area enjoying the mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana.
We run regular scrambling and walking week long holidays in Mallorca from October to May inclusive.