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.