Valldemossa, Archduke's Trail
Grade: Medium
Distance: 8 miles (13 kilometres)
Ascent/Descent: 650 metres
Duration: approx. 4½-5 hours
This circular walk commences and finishes in
Valldemossa, (above) a beautifully preserved Mallorcan village 30 minutes driver from
Soller.
The walk passes the Son Morague estate, which was
purchased by the Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvador
in 1872. The estate extended as far as the Puig des
Teix, the highest peak in the area at 1064m. The
Archduke was a keen conservationist and
environmentalist and was responsible for halting the
rapid demise of the evergreen oak forest on the estate.
Today the land is publicly owned and contains an
open-air museum, showing off its historical heritage.
The walk follows a four-wheel drive road up through the Cairats valley, passing old
charcoal burning sites, lime kilns and the largest snow pit on the island. At the top of the
valley we arrive at the path especially comissioned by the Archduke himself, so he could
pursue his passion for the outdoors. The purpose-built stone path snakes around the
ridgeline for nearly 2 kilometers, towering high above the cliffs and offering unrivalled
views as far as the Port of Soller to the north, Sa Foradada and Banyalbufar to the south.
The highest point reached on the path is the Puig (peak) Es Caragoli at 945 metres.
At the end of the ridge the trail winds its way down into the holm oak forest of the
neighbouring valley and descends via the old mule tracks, passing the plateau of Es
Pouet, an area once used by carboneros
(charcoal makers).
By mid-afternoon we arrive back in Valldemossa
where we will have time for refreshments before
returning to Soller.
Includes transport from our base in either Soller
or Port de Soller to Valldemossa and return.
Torrent de Pareis
Grade: Difficult - some rocky terrain
Distance: 5 miles (8 kms)
Descent: 680m
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Outbound Transfer: 45 minutes by car
Return Transfer: 45 minutes by boat
The Torrent de Pareis is possibly the finest walk in
Mallorca. Even the drive to the starting point in Escorca
from Soller is impressive. However, it is a difficult walk
which involves climbing over some large boulders and
should only be undertaken by experienced hikers in good
physical condition.
The start of the walk is a steep descent to the Torrent de
Lluc. It is here that the gorge begins and we see down
the valley where giant boulders line the riverbed, forming
obstacles on the walk ahead.
A few hundred metres from the start of the gorge we
come to the Entreforc where the Torrent de Lluc meets
the Torrent Gorg Blau to form the Torrent de Pareis
(Twin Rivers). We'll take a detour here and walk up the
Torrent Gorg Blau, commonly known as Sa Fosca (the
darkness). You will soon see why as the gorge's walls
narrow, the temperature drops and the sunlight is
blocked from view. This gorge is for experienced
canyoneers only, so we will turn back round and
continue down the Torrent de Pareis.
The middle section of the walk is perhaps the easiest. Picking our way over the rocks,
you will become captivated by the scenery; the high rocky walls, the limestone caves, the
smooth, water-eroded rocks and the trees which manage to survive in this harsh
environment. As we near the end of the hike and navigate the final hurdles you will notice
the walls of the gorge narrow again to mere 3 meter gap.
Arriving at the ocean’s edge where we finish our hike, the peace and tranquility of the
occasional birdsong gives way to the sound of tourists who visit Sa Calobra during the
summer months.
You should have time for a refreshing swim before heading back to Puerto Soller on a
scenic boat ride along the coast.
Includes transport from our base in either
Soller or Port de Soller to Escorca (45
minutes) and the boat trip from Sa
Calobra to Puerto Soller (55 minutes)
You will need to bring your own lunch,
sturdy walking boots and swim wear.
Maximum group size: 8 people - unless
by prior arrangement
Balitx Valley – BIKE TOUR
GRADE 2 - 300 metres ascent, 750 metres descent - 12 miles (19 kms)
Approx 2½ hours
GRADE 3 - 750 metres ascent, 750 metres descent - 16 miles (26 kms)
Approx 4 hours
95% off-road 5% road
The Grade 2 cycle route takes you 400 metres above sea level to the “Mirador”
(viewpoint) that overlooks Port de Soller.
The Grade 3 cycle route leads you up an off-road path that snakes its way through
picturesque, privately-owned olive groves above Soller.
Once at the Mirador, we begin our descent into the tranquil Balitx valley, lined with stone
terraces and home to ancient olive trees.
We then wind our way down a dirt track, to the foot of the valley and the old farmhouse
Balitx d'Avall, now a working farmstead (agroturismo).
Here we stop for a freshly squeezed orange juice before continuing our journey home via
Cami Vell - the old Balitx road- back to Soller.
Sa Comuna – BIKE TOUR
GRADE 4 - 800 metres ascent, 800 metres descent. Approx 4 hours
15 miles (25 kilometres) - 90% off-road 10% road
Introducing Sa Comuna in Bunyola, a comunal park area, ideal for mountain biking. The
excursion begins with a transfer by van to Bunyola, about 15 minutes drive from Soller,
where we set off on a long, but technically undemanding, ascent deep into the pine forest.
On a clear day, the Bay of Palma is easily visible. Once in the park we take the trail to the
top - the Penyal d'Honor - over 800 metres above sea level. From here it's a long and, in
some places, tough descent back to the village of Bunyola, passing through an area rich
in lime kilns, charcoal burning sites and even a cave dwelling. There is nowhere to stop for
refreshments on this excursion, so bring enough water and snacks with you.