Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Wednesday 20 April 2016

Wednesday 20 April 2016 - Alaró-Orient circular walk

This is walk 35 in the Cicerone guide. The route we took was probably about 15 km,  with up to 1000 metres ascent, taking around six hours at a leisurely pace. These are estimates as the Garmin Gadget was left behind.

Sue and I enjoyed expensive coffees in the square before setting off through Alaró's suburbs to reach a pleasant rising roadway signposted all the way to S'Escaleta. En route, one of the signs led us away from the narrow road and from then on we were on a rocky path, mainly through evergreen woodland.

In good weather with increasing cloud, this was a popular route. We met a good number of other walkers, mainly German. Notably rude.
 
We didn't visit the village of Orient, turning instead to the path to Castell d'Alaró, beside which a convenient plank served as a lunch bench.

The afternoon was spent on well maintained and signposted paths, as they form a section of the GR221 route that traverses the northern and western ramparts of the island.

The castle is reached through an elaborate gatehouse. The 'castle' comprises a very old sanctuary (pilgrim church) and some restored buildings that provide basic accommodation and food and drink. Many Germans, presumably walking GR221 and staying here tonight, were milling around, albeit the time was only 2.30.

We milled around ourselves, admiring the fine views from the 821 metre summit of Puig d'Alaró.

It was an easy walk back to Alaró, along well built tracks, past some climbers - the summit ridge is surrounded by steep cliffs - and occasional walkers, runners, rare orchids, other flowers and birds, and cyclists on both mountain and road bikes.

We were back first. Showers. Lyn and Robert arrived back just in time for beer o'clock, after which we were soon tucking into the mountainof wine and food that seems to have accumulated here.

5 comments:

wuxing said...

Seem to be a lot of 'rude' Germans thereabouts - what were they doing?

Phreerunner said...

Apart from a small minority, the German contingent seems incapable of responding to any form of greeting. Luckily there don't seem to be Russians here, as they would probably get more stick than the Germans. We have some very good German friends btw, who would be very friendly on the trails, as I'm sure your mates would be...

AlanR said...

You can’t beat a rude German. Well not very hard any way. You get done for it. HA.
No offence meant. Just a joke, honest.

Phreerunner said...

Tub tsuj eb luferac tahw uoy yas tuoba eht Russians Alan, ro Rasputin yam eb no ruoy esac. The Germans are comparatively cilegna.

AlanR said...

eya eya niatpac.