Trekking in Mallorca: GR221 - The Drystone Route through the Serra de Tramuntana

This guidebook describes the GR221, a 140km (87 mile) long-distance trail through northwestern Mallorca, from Port d'Andratx to Pollenca. Also known as the 'Ruta de Pedra en Sec' ('the Drystone Route'), the GR221 is a celebration of Mallorca's limestone heritage, taking in many historic drystone structures as it traverses the rocky peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana. Following old stone-paved paths and mule trails, it showcases the region's beautiful landscape of mountains, forests and cultivated terraces, as well as its spectacular coastline. The GR221 can be walked in 1-2 weeks, although the guide also covers 3 alternative start-points and 3 alternative finishes, which would allow for a shorter trek. The main route is presented in 10 stages of 8.5-20.5km (5-13 miles), with a handful of optional detours to bag neighbouring summits. Detailed route description is accompanied by 1:25,000 mapping and inspirational photography, plus a wealth of information on local points of interest. Accommodation and travel are also thoroughly covered: the trail boasts good transport links and plentiful facilities on route, with accommodation in welcoming mountain villages and the occasional 'refugi'. A comprehensive introduction offers the opportunity to discover more about the region's diverse plants and wildlife and unique history and culture, and an English-Spanish-Catalan glossary can be found in the appendix. With a favourable climate and stunning scenery, the Serra de Tramuntana has much to tempt the walker. The GR221 Drystone Route represents an ideal way to explore this fascinating World Heritage Site.

Table of Contents:
Map key Overview map Introduction Serra de Tramuntana GR221 - Ruta de Pedra en Sec Brief history of Mallorca Plants and wildlife Travel to Mallorca Travel around Mallorca When to go Accommodation Language Money Food and drink Water Walking the GR221 Emergencies Using this guide GR221 - The Drystone Route Stage 1 Port d'Andratx to Sant Elm Stage 2 Sant Elm to Ses Fontanelles Stage 3 Ses Fontanelles to Estellencs Stage 4 Estellencs to Esporles Stage 5 Esporles to Valldemossa Stage 6 Valldemossa to Deia Stage 7 Deia to Soller Stage 8 Soller to Tossals Verds Stage 9 Tossals Verds to Lluc Stage 10 Lluc to Pollenca and Puig de Maria Alternatives Alternative start A s'Arraco to Ses Fontanelles Alternative start B es Capdella to Estellencs Alternative start C Calvia to Estellencs Alternative finish D Soller to Cala Tuent Alternative finish E Tossals Verds to Alaro or Orient Alternative finish F Lluc to Caimari via GR222 Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Glossary Appendix C Public transport Appendix D Accommodation Appendix E Useful contacts

About the Author :
Paddy Dillon is a prolific outdoor writer with over 70 guidebooks to his name, and contributions to 30 other publications. He has written for a variety of outdoor magazines, as well as many booklets and brochures for tourism organisations. Paddy lives near the Lake District and has walked in every county in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales; writing about walks in every one of them. He enjoys simple day walks, challenging long-distance walks, and is a dedicated island-hopper. He has led guided walks and walked extensively in Europe, as well as in Nepal, Tibet, Korea, Africa and the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the United States.