GR 221 Day 3 Sun 2nd Feb

Sun 2nd Feb

Rained all night and a lot of the day. A wet tent to pack away again.

Olive terraces

A good but wet walk high above the sea, 200 to 300 meters with the choice of descending to Banyalbufar, which I didn't bother to do after my experiences with the last villages, before turning inland through the hills to Esporles.

Productive olive terraces

There were a few people out walking today and while there were a few heavy showers it was quite pleasant.

Well built track down to Esporles

Esporles was completely closed, no signs of life at all, so onwards and upwards. From here I had two problems, the first being that I had got used to route markers and now there were none. Secondly I think my brain stopped working, as did the sat nav and I got lost, not one but twice!

Path up through the trees

I went up a steep rocky route and found a track that looked as if it went in the right direction, it didn't, I should have continued up. After wandering through the woods, getting thoroughly confused, I found where I should be.

Charcoal burning platform 

I then followed the correct track up the hill but instead of turning left I stayed on the track, which was a lovely walk along the hill and down through olive and almond terraces but unfortunately the wrong way.

A beautiful old olive tree

I thought it was taking longer to get to the end of the path than I anticipated and when I did reach a road, after climbing over a locked gate and walking the wrong way down the road I managed to work out that I was actually about 5 km south of where I was supposed to be.

Valdemossa (the next day)

The sat nav had failed me and said I was in Palma! I just had to turn round and walk up the road to Valldemossa. Slightly dodgy as it was getting dark. No idea how far I walked today but it was a lot further than intended, at least I had booked a bed for the night and there was a restaurant open.

GR 221 Day 2 Sat Feb 1st

Sat Feb 1st

A wet day. Waterproofs on and stayed on although the rain wasn't continuous. Unfortunately it was raining hard when I packed up the tent, a nice soggy lump to put up tonight.

Misty moisty morning

A good, damp walk to Ses Fontanelles where there is a hostel but no other facilities, I had hoped for breakfast.

A typical path today 

A climb up then on a very unclear, rough, limestone path that has been well way marked, towards Mola De s'Esclop.

View in a clearance 

The top was in the cloud and I decided not to climb right up but stayed on the path, 844 meters was enough for today.

Estellencs

A long, steady descent to Estellencs where I thought there would be a chance of finding a bar/restaurant but the only place open was a little shop selling sweets and tourist tat. Disappointing, not sure why they were open as there was no body about.

Camp site on a terrace

Walked on out of the village to find a place to camp, on a damp terrace, about 2km further on.

Drystone walls each side of the path

 

GR 221 Day 1. Fri 30th Jan

Day 1. Fri 30th Jan

I stayed in a very good hostel last night in Palma Mallorca before making my way to the bus station, much easier than it was the other way in the dark last night.

Port d'Andratx 

Bus to Port d'Andratx (don't ask me to pronounce it) and the start of the GR221.

The guide book says that the first section is not marked, it is now, there are new marker posts all the way.

Today's walk reminded me of the South West and Pembrokeshire Coast Paths but, higher, steeper and considerably drier.  Spring has started here and things are starting to flower although how they survive in the parched stony ground I haven't a clue.

Little shrine at the highpoint

The path climbs to 300 metres before dropping down to Sant Elm which was basically shut for the winter but there were a couple of bar/restaurants open and I had an excellent lunch.

View to sa Dragonera

The path starts gently up towards the old monastery at La Trappa but gets progressively steeper and rougher until at the top there are chains bolted to the rocks to help.

A rocky bit

La Trappa and it's terraces are being slowly restored. There is a small area that allows camping but it was too early so I pushed on over the next hill. and found a good spot after about 3.5 km.

Looking over La Trappa to say Dragonera

A cold wind drove me into the tent.